Briefs-Villarreal sign Argentine Ibagaza from Mallorca

July 5 (Reuters) - Sports news in brief from around the world.

Soccer - Argentine playmaker Ariel Ibagaza will sign for Primera Liga runners-up Villarreal after leaving Real Mallorca, the club said on its Web site (www.rcdmallorca.es) on Saturday.

The 31-year-old, who returned to Mallorca in 2006 after three seasons at Atletico Madrid, said he had originally planned to see out his career with the islanders.

"I had told the president I would retire here, but I received a very interesting offer that I didn't expect," he said. "I hope the fans will understand because I have always given everything for this club."

Soccer - Fiorentina have signed Italian right back Gianluca Comotto from Torino, the Serie A club said on their Web site (www.acffiorentina.com).

The 29-year-old, who returns to the Florence club after having a loan stint with them in the second division during the 2003-04 campaign, is Fiorentina's fourth pre-season signing as they prepare for August's Champions League qualifiers.