Rayo Vallecano sign former West Ham defender Razvan Rat

La Liga strugglers Rayo Vallecano have signed Romania captain Razvan Rat following his release from West Ham.

Rat, who has joined on a free transfer, signed for the Hammers last summer on a free from Shakhtar Donetsk but departed by mutual consent last month.

He made 20 appearances in all competitions for West Ham.

"The Romanian player Razvan Rat has officially become a new player of Rayo Vallecano until the season finale," says a statement on Rayo's website.

Rayo, who are away to leaders Barcelona on Saturday, are second bottom in La Liga four points from safety.

Rat, 32, has made 94 appearances for Romania.