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Villarreal sign Denis Cheryshev from Real Madrid on five-year contract

Denis Cheryshev has completed his move from Real Madrid back to Villarreal.

Cheryshev, 25, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract after the clubs agreed a fee reported to be around £8 million.

Cheryshev, a fringe player at the Bernabeu, was involved in controversy last season when he played for Real in their Copa Del Rey win over Cadiz.

It later emerged that he should have been suspended, having been booked three times in the competition when on loan at Villarreal in the 2014-15 season, and Real were subsequently disqualified.

A statement on Real's website read: "Real Madrid and Villarreal have agreed the transfer of the player Denis Cheryshev.

"The club wishes to thank him for his dedication and professionalism over the years and wish him luck in his new career."

Cheryshev, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, posted a message of thanks to Real Madrid on his personal Twitter account.

He wrote: "Thank you Real Madrid for giving me the opportunity to become a professional footballer. It's been 14 years as a player of the club and I would not change it for anything.

"Thank you for showing me the values of a gentleman's club and forming me as a person. A Madridista to the heart leaves. My best wishes for the future. Hala Madrid."

The Russian also received a welcome message from Villarreal striker Roberto Soldado, who wrote on his Twitter account: "You already know the locker room! We await you with open arms and to see your best."