Riquelme joy at Villarreal move

Riquelme had endured a frustrating period at Camp Nou following his arrival from Boca Juniors last term and was eager for a fresh challenge.

His old club had been keen to take him back to Argentina while Murcia and Mallorca were also vying for his signature.

The gifted midfielder plumped for Villarreal and is delighted with his move, although he is disappointed compatriot Martin Palermo has left the club for Real Betis.

"I feel like a football player again," beamed Riquelme to Radio La Red. "Villarreal have given me this chance and I am going to do my best to put this team in the first positions of La Liga.

"I arrive at a place where the people are very kind and where I have friends so I am sure that things are going to work out perfectly here.

"The only thing that I am sad about is that Martin Palermo isn't in the team anymore. We could have repeated what we did together in Boca but I am happy because he was also in a difficult situation and now he has a new chance in another team."

Riquelme is eager to make his Villarreal debut against Malaga this weekend but coach Benito Floro is unsure of the wisdom of thrusting the Argentine straight into the team.

Floro said: "We have reached an agreement to have Riquelme in our team and we are sure that he is going to give us many satisfactions.

"I know that he wants to play on Saturday against Malaga but I am not sure if that is the best decision. We will give him some minutes to play when we can."