Rio de Janeiro, July 17 (IANS): Brazilian midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso has confirmed that he will join Spanish football club Sevilla after ending his four-year association with Sao Paulo.

Ganso is expected to feature prominently in the plans of Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli, who sees the 26-year-old as an ideal replacement for the recently departed Ever Banega, reports Xinhua.

"I would like to thank Sao Paulo for everything," Ganso told Sao Paulo's official website on Saturday. "Thanks to the club, I'm happy again on the pitch. I am extremely grateful and I don't have any doubt that one day I will come back."

Sao Paulo president Carlos Augusto de Barros e Silva said: "We are very sorry to be losing a player of Ganso's quality but we couldn't stand in the way of his professional wish to play in Europe."

The Brazilian outfit did not confirm the value of the deal, but local media said Sevilla paid around 9.5 million euros ($10.48 million).

Ganso was once considered among Brazil's most promising talents, earning 10 international caps before being struck down by injuries.

He has recaptured his best form in recent months and was recalled to Brazil's squad for last month's centenary edition of the Copa America in the United States.