Atletico Madrid have signed Luis Suarez from Barcelona for a fee of £5.5m on a two year contract.
The 33 year old was told by new Barcelona’s coach Ronald Koeman that he would not be part of his plans going forward.
The Uruguayan international is the second highest goal scorer in the club’s history, and departs having netted 198 goals since his move from Liverpool in the 2014 season.
Suarez while speaking to the media said, “I feel I’m capable of continuing to compete in this league.
“When Barca told me they weren’t counting on me, there were many calls, many offers, but I was able to go to a team that can compete as equals with two great teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. I had no doubts.”
During his time at the Nou camp, he won LaLiga titles, Copa del Reys, the champions league, the club world cup and the European super cup.
Suarez was at one point close to joining Italian champions Juventus, but delays in obtaining Italian citenzenship as well as allegations of irregularities regarding Suarez’s citenzenship exam last week put a hold on the deal.close to joining Italian champions Juventus, but delays in obtaining Italian citenzenship as well as allegations of irregularities regarding Suarez’s citenzenship exam last week put a hold on the deal.
Lionel Messi who had a great relationship with Suarez both on and off the field criticised Barcelona for pushing out Suarez.
Taking to instagram, he wrote, “You deserve a fitting farewell for the person that you are, one of the best players in the club’s history. You didn’t deserved to be pushed out, but the truth is nothing surprises me anymore.”
