Ayala agrees Valencia stay

Roberto Ayala is to stay at Valencia after 'clear the air' talks with president Juan Soler.

The Argentine defender looked to be on the verge of quitting the Che this summer after six seasons at the Mestalla.

A fall-out with Soler over the terms of a contract extension saw him publicly declare his desire to leave.

A host of clubs were linked with his signature including Real Madrid and Tottenham, but it was Valencia's neighbours Villarreal who showed the strongest interest.

The Yellow Submarines tabled an offer for his services and Ayala seemed ready to move on.

However, Valencia always stated their determination to keep him and, following talks with Soler, have now persuaded the 34-year-old to stay until the end of the season at the very least.

"We could not allow a footballer like Roberto Fabian Ayala, with all the commitment and professionalism that he has always shown, to leave Valencia in such a totally unjustified way," read a club statement.