BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) - Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure said he was ready for the challenge ahead after the new Barcelona signing was presented to the press on Tuesday.

Toure, who cost the Spanish giants nine million euros (12 million dollars) from Monaco, became Barca's second summer signing following that of former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry.

The 24-year-old, the younger brother of Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure, signed for four years and is reported to be earning around 1.8 million euros a year.

"I feel ready for the challenge. I really wanted to play in a club like this and I'm going to give it my all," said Toure.

Barca president Joan Laporta was delighted with his latest acquisition.

"He is one of those players that are vital to have," said Laporta. "He has got a great future, he's strong physically, good technically. He has eveything to become a talisman for Barca."

Barcelona had wrapped up the signing on Monday night, after earlier showing off new star capture Henry in front of more than 20,000 fans.

Toure joined Monaco in August 2006 having previously played for Greek side Olympiakos.