Riquelme completes Villarreal switch

The Argentinian is currently surplus to requirements at Camp Nou and with Ronaldinho on board the Catalan giants are prepared to let the former Boca Juniors ace join their Primera rivals.

The 25-year-old turned down a host of clubs including Murcia, Mallorca, as well as a return to Boca, in favour of the Estadio El Madrigal side, as it is closer to his current residence.

A statement on the Barcelona website said: "The deal is for one season with an option for a second if Barcelona decide not to reincorporate him for the 2004-05 season.

"His departure now leaves Barca with four non-EU players on their books (Javier Saviola, Rustu Recber, Rafael Marquez and Ronaldinho), which is the maximum permitted in the Spanish League."

The Argentine international netted nine times in 49 games for Barca but failed to live up to the huge expectations placed upon him, following his ‚é¼11 million (£7.6 million) move at the start of last season.

However, Villarreal will hope he will return to form as they embark on their first ever Uefa Cup campaign, after they beat Dutch side Heerenveen in their InterToto Cup final game earlier this week.