Luis Suarez has joined La Liga giants Atletico Madrid from rivals Barcelona for £5.5m after he was told that he was surplus to requirements at the Blaugrana.
The 33-year-old Uruguayan had one more year to run on the contract he signed with Barca in 2016 but was told by new head coach Ronald Koeman last month that he was not part of his plans.
Barca captain Lionel criticised the club for “pushing out” Suarez, who was signed from Liverpool in 2014.
Suarez arrives at the Wanda Metropolitano following the departure of Alvaro Morata, who rejoined Juventus earlier this week. Suarez 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.
Suarez won La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys, the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup during his hugely successful time at the Nou Camp.