Harte excited about move to Spain

Soccer: Three fans were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ian Harte at the Valencia Palace Hotel at lunchtime yesterday, which just about sums up the standing of his new club in the city.

Levante, who are newly promoted to the Primera Liga after a 41-year absence, are expected to find life in the top flight difficult. However, yesterday was a big day for the club as Harte represents possibly their most impressive signing. The Republic of Ireland defender has joined the club on a four-year contract worth €2 million.

Harte looked a bit taken aback by the media interest at the well-attended press conference, although he was quick to confirm he felt as though he were being welcomed into a family and mentioned the 40 or so fans who were waiting at the airport for his arrival.

He said "I am glad to be joining an ambitious club and I am looking forward to the start of the season."

Harte is the latest of a string of players to leave debt-laden Leeds following their relegation from the Premiership last season. "I have played against Real Madrid and Barcelona and know about Spanish football and am I excited aboutplaying in the Primera Liga."

Asked whether the move will enhance his international career, he replied, "Definitely, playing quality football in the Spanish league would be a benefit."

When asked whether he would prefer to be playing for Valencia or Barcelona, Harte replied, "No, I know Valencia won the league and the UEFA cup, but I want to be challenging them with Levante and have signed a four-year contract."

The general manager of his new club, Manolo Salvador, when questioned about what was expected of Harte, replied that he would be playing in his traditional position of left back and that "he's a young man of 26 with an enormous reputation,Champions League experience and also a strong runnerquestioned about what was expected of Harte, replied that he would be playing in his traditional position of left back and that "he's a young man of 26 with an enormous reputation, Champions League experience and also a runner> ">Asked about his time at Leeds and who was responsible for the debacle >choice for him to leave Leeds, where he has been a member of the first-team >. Asked about his time at Leeds and who was responsible for the debacle of the club, Harte replied responsible>at Leeds and made many good friends in Yorkshire."

However, he later went on to say: "Relegation was the most disappointing thing of all and it really hurt me being relegated."

For his new club,asa local paper said yesterday, "the principal virtue of Harte is his free kicks and he represents, without doubt, one of the greatest signings for Levante".

His new crowd capacity of 25,000. Levante, who were comfortable winners of the Spanish second division last season, have also recruited former Celtic defender Johan Mjallby in their attempt to make an impression in the top flight.