Zenit complete Garay deal

Zenit St Petersburg and Benfica have both confirmed that defender Ezequiel Garay will join the Russian side this summer.

The centre-back has attracted the attention of several clubs after an excellent season with the Portuguese giants in which they reached the Europa League final.
And the former Real Madrid player has secured a move to the Russian side, having agreed a five-year deal active from July 1.

"Football clubs Zenit and Benfica have reached an agreement over the transfer of the defender of the Argentina national team," a statement on the Russian side's official website read. "The contract has been signed for five years from July 1.

The player will join the team after the World Cup." Garay thanked coach Jorge Jesus and his team-mates for the support they have shown him in the three years he spent in Portugal. "I want to thank everyone who supported me in these three magnificent years I spent at Benfica," he told Benfica TV.

"In particular the president, who believed and invested in me, and the coach who made me evolve and reach a level that very proud.

"Thanks also to all my team-mates with whom I had the honour of playing for this club.

"I want to return all the love that Benfica and the supporters gave me. I'll take all the unforgettable moments I've had in Portugal in my heart. Gracias!"