AS Roma have completed the signing of Corinthians defender Marquinhos.

The defender agreed terms this weekend for a loan worth €1.5m and option to buy at the end of the season for a further €4.5m.

"Lads, many of you know by now that I am going away to play in Italy for Roma," wrote the 18-year-old on his Twitter account.

"It was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, but after speaking to my family, my agent and the Corinthians directors for a long time, I chose Roma for the good of my career.

"In the last 10 years I have grown so much as a player and as a man. I thank everyone, from those who tidied up my room in the youth academy to the highest director."