NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Milwaukee Brewers signed right-handed ace pitcher Yovani Gallardo to a five-year deal worth $30.1 million, the team said on Thursday.

Gallardo's contract covers at least his three arbitration seasons and one year of free agency, and could be worth $42.5 million over six seasons, the National League team said on its website (http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/).

"It's a great feeling knowing I'm going to be here for the next five years," Gallardo said. "Growing up, me and my parents never dreamed of this amount. It hasn't really settled in yet. I try not to show too much emotion, but it's great."

Gallardo, one of 12 Mexican players who appeared on opening day MLB rosters, gave up four runs in seven innings during the Brewers' opening day 5-3 loss on Monday to Colorado.

(Writing by Frank Pingue; Editing by Ian Ransom)