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Football News

Diego Godin confirms Atletico Madrid exit

By Mohamed Moallim

Published: 15:36, 7 May 2019

Diego Godin has confirmed that he will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old Uruguayan central defender is set to end a nine-year association with Los Rojiblancos and is expected to join Inter Milan.

Godin’s journey: Five things to know…

  1. Godin joined Atletico Madrid from Villarreal in 2010 for a reported £6.6m.
  2. He’s gone on to make 387 appearances for the club in all competitions.
  3. Godin has chipped in with 27 goals and 14 assists.
  4. He played a pivotal role in Atleti winning the 2013/14 La Liga title as well as two Europa League titles (2012 and 2018).
  5. Godin is expected to move to Serie A and represent Inter Milan.

https://audioboom.com/posts/7246453-like-a-broken-mirror-man-utd-s-top-knot-curse-lingers-on

Since relocating from Villarreal in 2010 the centre-back has gone on to become a pivotal member in Atleti’s recent period of unprecedented success.

Godin played a key part in Atletico’s 2013/14 La Liga triumph – which saw them end an 18-year wait for a championship – and two Europa League victories (2012 and 2018), while he was also an integral figure in the club’s two Champions League final (2014 and 2016) appearances.

His longevity and leadership saw manager Diego Simeone name him club captain, which is an accolade he has worn with pride, but a near decade presence will son come to an end.

A crowd favourite, a press conference at the Wanda Metropolitano was called on Tuesday morning, which Godin validated what many had expected.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLNxaF3GtmU

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“Atleti have been my family, my club and my home, and it’s very hard to say goodbye. I had a wonderful time and I wanted to thank all of you,” he said.

“The most beautiful phase of my career and my life comes to an end. I’m proud to have been a part of this club’s history. I’m very thankful.”

Captain, leader and legend

Ahead of their final two league matches this season, Godin has made no fewer than 387 appearance for the club in all competitions registering 27 goals and creating a further 14 more.

Since he’s been at the club they’ve gone from looking from the outside in to seriously challenging Barcelona and Real Madrid for top honours.

His first campaign (2010/11) saw Atletico finish seventh, they would improve to fifth the next season before a consistent run in the top three: third (2012/13), champions (2013/14), third (2014/15), third (2015/16), third (2016/17), runners-up (2017/18).

Simeone’s men need a point from the final six available to them to guarantee another second-place finish.