Romanian defender Cristian Chivu completed his 18 million euro ($20.43 million) move from Ajax Amsterdam to AS Roma on Wednesday after agreeing a five-year contract with the Serie A club.

Chivu and Parma's Mutu are the future of Romanian football

Roma said in a statement that Chivu had agreed a deal which would see him paid 16.6 million euro over the five seasons.

The Italian club said they would pay the 18 million euro transfer fee, a record sale for Ajax, in three annual instalments.

Chivu underwent a medical at Roma's training ground and was due to be presented to the press later on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old is Roma's first major close-season signing and is seen by coach Fabio Capello as the long-term partner to Argentine Walter Samuel in the centre of the defence.

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