Ayala completes controversial Zaragoza switch
Roberto Ayala of Argentina walks past supporters during his official presentation at La Romareda stadium in Zaragoza on Tuesday. Ayala completed his controversial move to Real Zaragoza on Tuesday after paying six million euros ($8.28 million) to buy himself out of his contract with Primera Liga rivals Villarreal. Reuters |
Ayala was set to join Villarreal after his contract with Valencia ended in June, but the 34-year-old centre-back shocked the Mediterranean club by deciding to break the agreement and take off for Zaragoza.
"The change came because I found myself presented with an ambitious project," Ayala told a news conference after signing a three-year contract with Zaragoza.
"I was convinced by it and thought it was the best thing for me and my family. I've done nothing illegal and I would like to thank Villarreal for the way they behaved.
"I'm still ambitious, I knew the people here well too and a lot of things came together with this offer."
The center-back also announced that he would be retiring from international football after winning his 115th cap in his side's 3-0 defeat against Brazil in the final of the Copa America on Sunday.
"I took the decision some time ago and it wasn't just because of the result but because I think a cycle has come to an end in the national team," he said."
UEFA CUP
Zaragoza made the move for Ayala to fill the gap left by his partner in the Argentina defence, Gabriel Milito, who was sold to Barcelona for a fee of up to 20.5 million euros earlier this month.
He will join fellow Argentine internationals Pablo Aimar, Diego Milito and Andres D'Alessandro at his new club who have qualified for the UEFA Cup after finishing sixth last season.
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 became their most influential player in a much-vaunted back four.
He played an instrumental role in helping the club to reach the Champions League final in 2001 and was a key player in their league triumphs in 2002 and 2004 as well as their victory in the UEFA Cup in 2004.
Agencies
(China Daily 07/19/2007 page24)
