Atleti bring in Cani

Spanish champions Atletico Madrid have signed experienced Villarreal midfielder Cani on loan for the remainder of the season.

Cani has spent the last eight and a half seasons at El Madrigal after moving from Real Zaragoza in 2006, featuring in over 300 games for Villarreal.

The 33-year-old has started only five La Liga matches this term, but will now get the opportunity to fight for a place in Diego Simeone’s title-chasing side.

Atletico announced the arrival of Cani on their official website.

A statement from the club read: “Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal have reached an agreement for the loan of Ruben Gracia Calmache, Cani, until the end of the season.

“The Aragonese midfielder … passed the corresponding medical examination and has signed with our organisation for the rest of the season.”

Atleti sporting director, Jose Luiz Perez Caminero, said: “He [Cani] is an experienced player in our league and with a tremendous quality that will increase competitiveness within the group.

“He’s used to handling great responsibility and we are very happy with his arrival because we believe he will contribute a lot to the team at this crucial point of the season.”