Paris, Jul 21 (IANS): World Cup runners-up Croatia's center back Duje Caleta-Car has joined nine-time French champions Marseille on a five-year contract, becoming the Ligue 1 club's first signing during the off-season before the 2018-19 campaign.

Caleta-Car, 21, started for Croatia in the final group match against Iceland. Croatia lost 4-2 to France in last Sunday's final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports Xinhua news agency.

Caleta-Car has been with Red Bull Salzburg for four seasons, winning the Austrian Bundesliga four times and national cups three times. Last season, he played 28 league games and 13 Europa League matches.

Standing 1.92 meters tall, Caleta-Car boasts an impressive physical presence with a very strong aerial game.

"This young player, who has already tasted experience in European competitions, will continue his development alongside experienced players in the beautiful atmosphere of the Orange Velodrome," Marseille said in a statement.