La Liga - Ayala in shock Zaragoza switch

Eurosport - Sat, 14 Jul 23:45:00 2007

Zaragoza have remarkably signed Roberto Ayala for six million euros before he has even kicked a ball in anger at Villarreal.

FOOTBALL 2006-2007 La Liga Roberto Ayala Valencia - 0

Argentina international Ayala agreed in February to move to local rivals Villarreal at the end of the season from long-time club Valencia after it became clear that his contract would not be renewed at the Mestalla.

However the 34-year-old stopper was approached by Zaragoza with a three-year contract, who recently lost captain Gabi Milito to Barcelona for almost &euro20m.

They have agreed to pay the fee, an amount set by a release clause in Ayala's contract with the Yellow Submarine.

The veteran helped Los Che to the Champions League final in his first two seasons, but lost out in both. However he later won two Liga titles and the UEFA Cup during his seven-year spell.

Ayala is set to feature for Argentina against Brazil in the final of the Copa America on Sunday.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport
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