Madrid, Aug 13 (IANS) Valencia continue to strengthen ahead of the new season with the signing of central defender Eliaquim Mangala on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Mangala returns to the club where he enjoyed a successful loan spell in the 2016-17 season, making 30 appearances in the Liga Santander.

The Valencia website confirmed late on Monday night that the 28-year-old had agreed on a two-season deal which will keep him at the Mestalla Stadium until the end of 2021, reports Xinhua news agency.

The move is a risky one for Valencia given that Mangala missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury, although he was able to pass a strict medical exam carried out in the city of Gijon (northern Spain).


--IANS kk/bc