Napoli sign Ruiz from Espanyol
Monday, January 31, 2011
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SSC Napoli have strengthened their defence with the signing of 22-year-old centre-back Víctor Ruiz from RCD Espanyol, with Jesús Dátolo moving permanently in the opposite direction.
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Spanish Under-21 international centre-back Víctor Ruiz has left RCD Espanyol for SSC Napoli, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with the team sitting second in Serie A.
Napoli have acquired the services of the Espanyol academy graduate in exchange for a €6m fee and midfielder Jesús Dátolo, whose earlier loan move to the Barcelona club now becomes permanent.
"I am young and I want to be successful – that's why my role model is Gerard Piqué," said Ruiz. "Several clubs tried to sign me but Napoli were my first choice. The team are great and the fans are fantastic. I am ready to play as soon as the coach picks me." The 22-year-old made a total of 36 Liga appearances for Espanyol.
As a result of his departure for Naples, Espanyol have landed Argentinian international winger Dátolo on a full-time basis. The 26-year-old, who arrived on loan last summer, has featured in ten of Espanyol's league matches this term.
The Partenopei have also added Giuseppe Mascara to their ranks, taking the 31-year-old forward from Cagliari Calcio for an undisclosed fee. Mascara, capped once by Italy, has signed a contract until 2013.
Napoli finished runners-up in UEFA Europa League Group K and will play Villarreal CF in the round of 32, with the first leg in Naples on 17 February and the El Madrigal return the following Thursday.
