Ayala speaks of his ‘bittersweet’ Rovers release
DANIEL Ayala is set to become a free agent this summer after Blackburn Rovers confirmed their intention to release the defender at the end of his contract.
The former Middlesbrough defender joined Blackburn Rovers three years ago and was out of contract at the end of the season. The club have officially confirmed that he will leave.
The 32-year-old moved to Ewood Park on a free transfer after his release from Boro in the summer of 2020. Boro did hold contract renewal talks with the Spaniard at that time but, with injury concerns in mind, were not willing to meet the player’s demands and instead let him go.
Since joining Blackburn, the centre-backs injury issues have continued and he’s been able to make just 58 appearances across his three seasons.
He missed the last two months of the campaign with a hamstring issue before making a late cameo appearance in the final game of the season against Millwall. Rovers have now opted against extending his deal, with Ayala set to join Bradley Dack, Ben Brereton Diaz and Dan Butterworth in leaving the club this summer.
Reports coming out of Lancashire suggest they’re already well
down the line with their summer recruitment drive though, as they target as many as six new signings.
“It’s a bittersweet moment really,” Ayala told Rovers.co.uk.
“I’ve been really happy here for the last three years and part of me wanted to stay, because it’s a great club, with great fans and great staff, but I know that it’s part of football and I have to move on.
“I’ve had some really happy times here, but also some down moments as well, especially with a few injuries, which prevented me from playing as many games as I wanted and perhaps showing a bit more what I can do. “Missing out on the play-offs in the last two seasons has been really frustrating because I can see that the team has got enough to get there.
“For one reason or another, we just fell short, but the club is in a great position to challenge again, with a great manager, a great group of players and real togetherness, and I firmly believe that they can get
there.”
I’ve had some really happy times here, but also some down
moments.
Daniel Ayala,
pictured