Goalkeeper Kasey Keller, fresh off a number of strong performances for the USA at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, has completed a two-year contract to play for Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish First Division beginning with the upcoming 1999-2000 season. Rayo Vallecano was promoted last season from the second division, making the acquisition reminiscent of Keller’s 1996 signing with recently promoted Leicester City in England, where Keller performed well and helped the over-achieving club to cup glory and to remain in the Premiership for three years running. The 29-year-old Keller has played in England consistently since 1992. He was linked to Wimbledon earlier in the summer, but recently expressed interest in playing professionally on the European mainland. “I am thrilled to have a change like this at this stage of my career,” said Keller from Mexico. “I’m very excited about playing in Spain after eight years in England, but even more excited about Rayo’s motivation to bring me in and make me their goalkeeper.” Keller added that there was interest from a number of other clubs, including two in Mexico, but felt “in the end, playing in Europe was the best decision for me.” “I think it will be a lot of fun,” Keller told Soccer America‘s Scott French. “I’ve been looking for something different, and it’s definitely different. It’s a big challenge. The team was just promoted, as when I went to Leicester. Hopefully, we’ll have the same success.” Rayo Vallecano is the third top-flight club in Madrid, where they play alongside mighty neighbors Real and Atletico. Rayo Vallecano will open the Spanish First Division season on Aug. 22 at Atletico Madrid. Next up for Keller: getting his Spanish in order. “My wife [Kristin’s] Spanish is better than mine,” he said. “I can do a little bit. I studied in high school and college. My nouns are good, but putting it all together is a whole other ballgame.”