Barcelona (Spain), Aug 4 (IANS): FC Bayern Munich have issued a statement confirming the transfer of Chilean international Arturo Vidal to FC Barcelona.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge the president of the reigning German league champion, thanked the veteran Chile star "for three great years".

"Arturo Vidal leaves Bayern and moves to the Spanish top flight with immediate effect for Barcelona. Both clubs agreed to the transfer this Friday night," the Bavarian
club said late on Friday, reports EFE news agency.

Vidal, who joined Bayern from Juventus in the summer of 2015, had a contract with the reigning German champions until June 30, 2019.

"On behalf of Bayern, I'd like to thank Arthur for three great years. He's always led the big games and we could always trust him," Rummenigge said.

Vidal himself said on the Bayern Munich website: "Thanks to Bayern and all the fans. I enjoyed my stay in Munich very much. I want to thank the club for giving me
another chance to take on a new challenge in Barcelona."

The 31-year-old Chilean played 124 games for Bayern. He scored 22 goals and gave 18 assists.

Arturo Vidal, who has won the league (Italian and German) since 2012 without interruption, is Barcelona's fourth signing this season after the recruitment of French
defender Clément Lenglet (Sevilla), Brazilian forward Malcom Filipe Silva de Oliveira (Girondins Bordeaux) and Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo (Gremio Porto Alegre).