Luis Suarez completes move to Atletico Madrid on two-year deal after six years at Barcelona

Luis Suarez has completed his emotional farewell from Barcelona by signing a two-year deal at Atletico Madrid. 

The Uruguayan striker ended his Barcelona career as the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, netting 198 goals in 283 appearances for the Catalans. 

The striker looked like he was heading to Juventus and even took an Italian language test in Perugia in order to get residency ahead of a proposed move to the Serie A champions. 

Luis Suarez has completed his move to Atletico Madrid from Barcelona on a two-year contract 

The 33-year-old took had a medical at Atletico on Friday before signing his new deal 

But the former Barcelona man has completed a £5.5million to Diego Simeone’s side after being told by new Catalans boss Ronald Koeman he was no longer required at the Camp Nou.

A statement from Atletico read: ‘We welcome to our team one of the world’s most prolific strikers, who gives his all on the pitch and has proved his quality on the most demanding of stages.’

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi, who himself was close to leaving Barcelona this summer after handing in a shock transfer request, slammed the decision to sell Suarez in a touching tribute to his close friend.

Suarez (left) ended his career as Barcelona’s third-highest goalscorer in their history

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi (right) slammed the decision to sell Suarez (left) this year 

The Argentine icon is not only close friends with Suarez but was his neighbour when the pair played up front and Barcelona and Messi admitted he will miss the Uruguayan striker.

On Friday Messi posted on Instagram: ‘It will be strange to see you with another shirt and much more to face you. 

‘You are one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually. And not to get kicked out like they did. But the truth is that at this point nothing surprises me.

‘I wish you all the best in this new challenge. I love you very much, I love you very much. See you soon friend.’

Suarez arrived at Barcelona from Liverpool in a £65million fee and has won four LaLiga titles, four Spanish Cups, the 2015 Champions League and Club World Cup titles with Barcelona.  

More to follow.