At the beginning of the 03/04 season, reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid were in the hunt for another centre-half, following the decision to part ways with captain Fernando Hierro. Having failed in efforts for Independientes Gabriel Milito, the club hierarchy began to look a little closer to home. With Valencias 30 year old stalwart Roberto Ayala caught in the midst of a contractual dispute with his club, the long-haired Argentine fit the bill for Los Blancos, as they lodged a bid for his services. However, the offer was quickly knocked back by the Spanish club, as they were determined to hold on to their unsettled star.
''He is a very important player for Valencia and he is going to stay at the club in the future. Next week we are going to meet with the player and his agent with the aim of extending his contract. I just want to reassure the fans that the player will remain here to help Valencia attain more success in the future. - Valencia club president Jaime Orti, August 2003.
Sure enough, manager Rafa Benitez would immediately guide Los Che to only their second league title in 33 years and their first ever UEFA Cup that season. However, Ayala was understood to have regretted the decision to sign a new deal at the club, unhappy at his £19k p/wk salary. Over the next few years, the club would slide out of contention for major honours, with financial difficulties dictating the stripping of their assets. The Argentinian centre-half would play six more seasons in Spain, but there would be no more silverware to show for it.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
