Madrid, Sep 24 (AP):
Luis Suarez is staying in Spain after all. Barcelona said late Wednesday that it reached a deal with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of the Uruguay striker for 6 million euros (7 million).
Suarez was let go by Barcelona following six mostly successful seasons in which he won 13 titles with the Catalan club. He leaves as Barcelona’s third highest scorer ever with 198 goals, behind Cesar Rodriguez (232) and Lionel Messi (634).
The 33-year-old Suarez had to find a new club after being told by incoming Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman that he was not in his plans. Koeman was asked to revamp the Barcelona squad after the embarrassing 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Champions League in August.
Midfielder Ivan Rakitic already left for Sevilla after also being told he wasn’t wanted anymore, and defender Samuel Umtiti is also expected to leave.
Messi, Suarez’s longtime friend and teammate, wanted to leave but will stay after the club denied his request for a free transfer at the end of last season.
Barcelona said it wanted to publicly express its “gratitude to Luis Suarez for his commitment and dedication,” and wished him “all the best for the future.”
The club said Suarez will give a news conference on Thursday. He reportedly bid farewell to his teammates earlier Wednesday.
