BRUSSELS, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Barcelona defender and Dutch international Giovanni van Bronckhorst on Wednesday rejoined his hometown club Feyenoord on a three-year-deal as a free agent.

"Van Bronckhorst's return to Feyenoord is the fulfillment of a long-held dream the player has had to play for his hometown club again," Feyenoord said in a statement.

Van Bronckhorst, 32, was presented by Feyenoord to the press in Rotterdam on Wednesday afternoon, and will wear the number 8 shirt.

He had played for Barcelona for four seasons, where he realized his full potential, becoming one of Europe's leading players.

In Barcelona, he won two Spanish league titles, the Copa del Rey twice, and a UEFA Champions league title in 2006.

Van Bronckhorst started his career at Feyenoord, where he made his team debut in 1994. Despite his tender age, the left back was one of the club's most important players for four seasons, and a big hit with the fans.

He left Feyenoord in 1998 after 141 official appearances with a Dutch Cup title, and joined Glasgow Rangers, where he won two Scottish titles. Three years later, he moved to England's Arsenal, where he won an English Premier league winner's medal.

Last December, Van Bronckhorst had agreed to extend his stay at Barcelona until summer 2008, but both the club and player have now agreed to part by mutual consent.

Feyenoord, who have already signed left-back Tim de Cler this summer, are rebuilding under new coach Bert van Marwijk.

The Dutch international has played for the national team for 67times, scoring four times.