NEW YORK, Aug 9 (AP/UNB) - Colombia defender Cristian Zapata has signed with AC Milan on a loan from Spain's Villarreal.

AC Milan announced the move before its friendly against Real Madrid at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, saying the deal gives it the right to buy the defender outright.

The 25-year-old has made 15 appearances for Colombia. After playing for Deportivo Cali from 2004-05, he spent six seasons in Italy with Udinese before moving to Villarreal for one season.