Sevilla signs keeper Diego Lopez from Villarreal

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) -Sevilla has signed goalkeeper Diego Lopez from the recently relegated Villarreal to a five-year contract.

Lopez played the past five seasons for Villarreal, helping it reach a best ever second-place finish in the 2007-08 Spanish league season.

Lopez says, "(Sevilla) is a great club in many ways, including its fans. I always felt a little jealous watching from outside and now I am very excited for the chance to experience it from within.''

The 30-year-old Lopez, who came up through Real Madrid's youth system, was in Spain's 2009 Confederations Cup squad.

Sevilla finished a disappointing ninth this season, missing out on European competition next season.