Former Liverpool and Middlesborough defender trains at Nantwich

Ayala has been keeping fit by training with Northern Premier League side Nantwich Town, joining under 16s player Alex Radcliffe.

He hasn’t played a competitive game since January 1, when he was injured during an away win at Preston North End, and left Boro in June after failing to agree a contract extension.

Now finding himself a free agent, the former Spain under 21s player has been keeping fit at the Weaver Stadium.

"I'm massively thankful for them today because without them I wouldn't have a proper pitch to try and get back into proper fitness," said Ayala, joined by Radcliffe on Nantwich Town's official Youtube channel.

"So I’m really thankful for the opportunity to train here on the pitch and to get fit.”

When asked about the importance of non-league football, he continued: "It's massively important to have have group from a young age working hard trying to get to the top."

One player looking to the top is young Radcliffe, who says Manchester United is the team he aspires to play for and when asked who he looks up to as a centre-back, he replied "Daniel," with a laugh, standing next to the 29-year-old.

Click below to watch the full video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=sOJLocsGwlQ&feature=emb_title