Argentinian midfielder Pablo Aimar has admitted he was flattered that Real Zaragoza wanted to sign him.

Zaragoza are reported to have paid Valencia around €11 million for the 26-year-old, who signed a four-year deal.

“I joined Zaragoza because the coach (Victor Fernandez) called me, and because they came looking for me which is not normal in the world of football where the players usually offer themselves,” Aimar told a news conference on Monday.

The club described Aimar’s signing as the most important in their history.

“Although it is a smaller club than Valencia, in a few years hopefully you will be able to say there aren’t many clubs bigger than Zaragoza,” added Aimar.

Aimar, who has played 43 caps with Argentina, joined Valencia from River Plate in 2001 for $20 million.

Zaragoza’s new coach has already bought in Argentine midfielder Andres D’Alessandro on loan from Wolfsburg, and defenders Sergio Fernandez and Juanfran.