Madrid  - Veteran midfielder Alberto Rivera has sigmned for Spanish Liga club Sporting Gijon from relegated Betis for an undisclosed fee, Gijon said Wednesday.

Rivera, 31, is Gijon's first summer signing. They are also interested in Atletico Madrid reserves Juan Valera and Miguel de las Cuevas, as well as Numancia goalkeeper Juan Pablo.

Gijon coach Manuel Preciado knows Rivera well, because they were together at Levante from 2002 to 2005. Rivera then moved on to Betis, who are now keen to sell off players after being relegated.

The elegant Rivera was chosen for Spain by national manager Luis Aragones in 2005 but did not actually make his debut for La Seleccion.

Rivera holds the record for being the youngest player ever to play for Real Madrid in La Liga. He came through the club's youth sections and made his league debut in
1995, aged just 17.(dpa)