Barcelona have completed the signing of Manchester City youngster Joan Angel Roman on a three-year deal, as the 19-year-old returns to his native Catalonia.

Midfielder Roman signed for City from Barca's rivals Espanyol in 2009 as a 16-year-old, although never featured for the Premier League outfit's senior side but was named on the first-team bench last season.

"Being in England for three years has helped me to mature a lot and to become physically stronger," said Roman in a statement posted on the club's official website. "I'm raring to start and start learning.

"When I heard Barca were interested in me, that was my priority. I can assure you that I'll work hard and give everything I can out on the pitch."

Roman becomes the first signing made under new head coach Tito Vilanova, and is expected to go straight into Barca's B team set-up. His contract with the club includes a €12million release clause.