MADRID, Aug. 13 -- 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 28-year-old had agreed a two-season deal, while will keep him at the Mestalla Stadium until the end of 2021.

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).

"It was a day with a lot of tests, but I really wanted to play in Mestalla again. The fans there value me a lot and the team always competes.

Valencia are still looking to add to their squad as the side which finished fourth in the Liga Santander last season and beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final will once again compete in this season's Champions League. Villarreal left back Jaume Costa is thought to be next on their shopping list, although it isn't certain he will arrive before they kick the new season off on Saturday with a home game against Real Sociedad.

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