Valencia have signed Ivan Helguera from Real Madrid, the two clubs have confirmed.

The 32-year-old negotiated a release from his contract with the Spanish champions and signed a three-year deal with Valencia.

Helguera, who has been capped 47 times for Spain, won three league titles and two European Cups after joining Real from Espanyol in 1999.

Tthe arrival of two new centre-backs in the shape of Christoph Metzelder and Pepe in the close season, left Helguera surplus to requirements at Real.

Valencia made their move for Helguera after losing Argentine veteran Roberto Ayala to Real Zaragoza.