AC Milan sells Diego Lopez to Espanyol on permanent deal

Diego Lopez is staying in Spain.

On Wednesday, AC Milan sold Lopez to RCD Espanyol on a permanent deal, as the Galician 'keeper reached an agreement with Los Periquitos and signed with the Spanish club until June 30, 2020. The buyout clause is valued at €50 million.

Lopez, 35, joined Espanyol in August 2016 on a season-long loan from Milan, and went on to make 35 appearances for the Catalan club in La Liga. He lost his role as the Rossoneri's first-choice shot-stopper to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made his Serie A debut at only 16 years old.

"It's a very happy day," Lopez told Espanyol TV. "We have had a season to sign, but it has been wonderful. Today is the day in which I can extend my relationship with Espanyol. I want to thank the club, the coach, the staff, teammates, and fans especially this year that has been magnificent. My wish was to continue here. The priority was to continue because I found myself very comfortable."

Lopez tallied 11 clean sheets during the 2015-16 La Liga season, more than all but three 'keepers.