Fernando Morientes has joined Valencia CF from Liverpool FC after missing out on a place in Spain's FIFA World Cup squad.

First signing
New Valencia sporting director Amedeo Carboni has made Morientes his first signing, with the Spanish club confirming tonight that he has a three-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. The fee is undisclosed but is thought to be in the region of €5m. The English club had announced the transfer on their official website on Thursday despite earlier claims that Morientes would serve out the remaining two years of his contract. A club statement read: "Everybody at Liverpool would like to wish 'Nando' all the best with his new club in Spain."

Spanish comeback
The 30-year-old Morientes scored eight goals in his season-and-a-half on Merseyside after leaving Real Madrid CF. He had previously shone on loan at AS Monaco FC, helping them to reach the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League final. Valencia will be his fourth Spanish club after spells at Albacete Balompié, Real Zaragoza and Madrid.