Italian defender Matteo Ferrari has joined Besiktas from Genoa. The Serie A club confirmed the departure of Ferrari in a statement on their website.

It read: "Genoa FC announces the permanent transfer of Matteo Ferrari's sporting rights to Besiktas. The club thanks the player and wishes him the best of luck in the future."

The clubs have not disclosed the transfer fee although reports claim Besiktas have paid €5 million for the experienced defender. Ferrari has signed a four-year contract with the Turkish giants.

The 29-year-old centre-back made 33 league appearances for Genoa, whom he joined last summer after a loan spell at Everton. The ex-Roma star will earn €2.5 million per season at Besiktas.