MADRID, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Valencia's Argentine international center-back Roberto Ayala has agreed to join Primera Liga rivals Villarreal on a three-year deal at the end of the season.
Villarreal released a statement on Wednesday saying the 33-year-old, who is free to negotiate with other clubs because his present deal finishes at the end of the season, had signed a contract with them until June 2010.
Ayala will set a new Argentine record of 107 appearances when he leads his side out for their friendly against France in Paris on Wednesday.
Last August he said he wanted to leave Valencia after accusing the president and sporting director Amadeo Carboni of backtracking on a promised contract renewal.
Ayala began his career with Argentine side Ferro Carril Oeste, before joining River Plate in 1993.
He was transferred 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 since then has been the most influential player in the club's back four.
