The European champions landed Thuram, 34, and Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta from Juventus, who were relegated to Serie B after being found guilty in Italy's match-fixing scandal.

"Sports stars look after themselves and do all they can to stay at peak fitness," Rijkaard told Barcelona's website on Friday.

"People like that are very important to have in the dressing room and out there on the pitch. And Thuram is a person like that."

Rijkaard is known for his admiration of veteran players. In the last couple seasons, he signed both Demetrio Albertini, 34, and Henrik Larsson, 32, though the duo looked past their prime.

Thuram won the World Cup with France in 1998 and was also a starter during their campaign towards the silver medal in 2006.

He has also won several domestic titles with Juventus and Rijkaard believes that such an experience will help Barca next season.

"As a player he (Thuram) has won everything and that's important for a team like ours that plays at a high level," Rijkaard said.