Russian giants Spartak Moscow have completed a swoop for Espanyol centre-half Nicolas Pareja, who joins for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old Argentine has spent the last two years in Spain, having moved to Catalunya shortly after helping his country to a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
He went on make 58 appearances for Espanyol, scoring three goals and has also turned out for Argentinos Juniors and Anderlecht, where he won the league title, Belgian Cup and Belgian Supercup.
ChallengeHe admits it was a tough choice to leave Espanyol, after thoroughly enjoying his time with the club, but feels the opportunity to join Spartak was too good to turn down.
Pareja said: "It is a step forward in my career, because I am going to a league that is growing and to a top club playing in the Champions League next season. It is a challenge.
"I feel great sadness for all that I leave here: family, friends and a team that I doubt is like any other.
"All employees of the club have treated me wonderfully. I spent two incredible years here."
a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}Mapp admits Fire trade came as a surpriseRonaldo won’t return
