Ayala signs Real Zaragoza (24 Jul 2007 21:10 GMT)
Real Zaragoza have agreed a deal to sign Argentina centre-back Roberto Ayala from Villarreal.
The 34-year-old was set to join Villarreal when his contract with Valencia ended in June, having committed himself to a three-year contract with them in February.
Zaragoza said that Ayala would rescind his contract with Villarreal in the next few days and sign a three-year contract with Victor Fernandez's side.
Zaragoza finished sixth in the Primera Liga last season to earn a place in the UEFA Cup.
Ayala began his career with Argentine side Ferro Carril Oeste, before joining River Plate in 1993. His performance for the Argentine giants earned him a transfer to Italian side Napoli in 1995 where he remained for three seasons before signing for AC Milan. Ayala joined Valencia in 2000 from AC Milan and was their most influential player in the back four. He played a vital role in helping the club to reach the Champions League final in 2001, win the Spanish league title in 2002 and win the league and UEFA Cup in 2004.
source : Reuters