The 30-year-old midfielder joined Blues on loan in January, when a permanent move was written into the deal.

But now the Championship season has finished, Gardner has officially become a City player on a three-year contract.

Blues, who confirmed the deal had been ratified today, paid £1.5m for Gardner plus an extra £500,000 for the loan.

Gardner wore the captain's armband this season when Michael Morrison and Paul Robinson weren't playing.