Raul Garcia has said an emotional goodbye to Atletico Madrid as he leaves the capital for Athletic Bilbao.
Garcia’s move to San Mames was confirmed on Monday and the midfielder was afforded a farewell ceremony at Vicente Calderon in which President Enrique Cerezo presented him with a No 8 shirt reading ‘Thank you Raul.’
“It was a very difficult decision. It’s one where you have to balance everything out before you decide,” Garcia said, AS reports, with a number of the Atleti squad present and every trophy Garcia won with the club laid out.
“I’ve always fought to get what I wanted. I’ve got the option of going to a good club. I’m going to have to earn my place there.
“You have to listen to your head, because when you think with your heart there are feelings that prevent you making a decision. I think it’s the right decision.
“When you work well, results arrive. It’s hard for people to see that, especially in this world, but I’m comforted by [the support I’ve received].
“I wanted to thank everyone who made it possible for me to appreciate the opportunity of a new club, and a new challenge.”
