OFFICIAL: Atletico Have Signed Luis Suarez From La Liga Rivals Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Luis Suarez from La Liga rivals Barcelona for £5.5million.
The Uruguayan striker arrives the Spanish capital on Friday to complete his medicals, and signed a two-year deal with the club.
He agreed terms on a reduced salary of what he earns at Barca, and wear the No.9 jersey for the club.
CloudNine Sports had reported earlier that Suarez was left furious, after been told last month that he was not in the team plans for the 2020/21 season by new coach Ronald Koeman.
He was filmed leaving the Barcelona's training ground in tears on Wednesday as his transfer to Atletico was certain, ending one of this summer transfer sagas consigning his future.
According to reports, Suarez had rejected a move to join Inter Miami, who offered him the chance to become the highest-ever paid player in Major League Soccer, as he looked close to joining Juventus, but his move to join the Italian gaints, fell through because of Italian passport issues.
The 33-year-old star recently became the third all-time highest goalscorer in Barca's history with 198 goals, 97 assists in 283 appearances just behind Leo Messi and César who are first and second respectively.
Atletico Madrid's manager Diego Simeone looks to strengthen his attack with the signing of Luis Suarez, shortly after Alvaro Morata joined Juventus on-loan earlier on Tuesday.
He is not the first player to be making a switch from Barca to Atletico, David Villa did same in July 2013, which saw him helped Simeone's side win the 2013-14 La Liga title, and reached the Champions League finalthst same season, knocking Barca in the quarter-final.
"I feel I'm capable of continuing to compete in this league," Suarez told members of the media via video conferencing after joining Atleti.
"When Barca told me they weren't counting on me, there were many calls, many offers, but I was able to go to a big Spanish club that can compete as equals with two great teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. I had no doubts."
"Atleti are a side with fine players, a competitive block that aim for the top spot in LaLiga and both the supporters and coach are additional motivation factors.
"I've come to try and achieve great things with this competitive club who have been on the cusp of success, and will do all I can in helping the cause."
🔴⚪ #SuárezRojiblanco
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 25, 2020
A warm welcome for @LuisSuarez9 👏😂
🏧 #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/hwYGzwwGgN
Suarez won thirteen major trophies during his six-year stay at the Nou Camp, which includes four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys, two Spanish Super Cups, one Champions League, one Club World Cup, and one European Super cup.
His final game for Barca, was the disappointing 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in Lisbon. He joins Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal, Arthur Melo and Nelson Semedo who have all departed the club this summer.
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