Capable of slotting in at the heart of the defence or in a full-back position, he may not a first choice player for Barcelona, but his consistency and honest endeavour makes him a good man to have in the squad.

Milito started playing professionally with Argentine first division side Club Atletico Independiente in 1997 and he moved to Real Zaragoza after a transfer to Real Madrid fell through in 2003.

Four impressive years earned him a move to Barcelona for ¬20.5 million, although his time at the club was hindered by a serious knee ligament injury in May 2008 which kept him sidelined for nearly two years and saw him fail to claim a place in Argentina's 2010 World Cup squad.

Strengths: A great sense of positioning and seems to be in the right place at the right time more often than not. His versatility is a useful asset.

Weaknesses: As a smaller defender he is not great in the air and has not performed consistently at the highest level.

Career high: Winning the Spanish Cup with Zaragoza in 2004.

Career low: Missing out on Barcelona's six-trophy haul after being sidelines for 602 days with a knee injury.

Style: Composed, confident, a classy and committed defender.

Quotes: "He will add a lot to the team and I would say that even if he was not my brother. Gaby does not have anything to prove to anyone. He will show Barcelona that he has leadership, is good on his feet and strong in the tackle.'' Diego Milito on his brother in July 2007.

Trivia: His brother, Diego, plays for Inter Milan and the two played against each other for arch-rivals Independiente and Racing Club de Avellaneda when in Argentina.