Defender Juanfran confirms Atletico Madrid exit

Experienced Atletico Madrid full-back Juanfran Torres has confirmed he has played his final game for the club due to his contract expiring.

The 34-year-old, who began his career at Real Madrid, has amassed over 300 appearances for Los Rojiblancos since a January 2011 move from Osasuna.

Juanfran has still maintained his level of performance over recent years despite his age and has been selected at right-back across 26 matches this campaign.

“These are my last days here at Atletico,” Juanfran confirmed at a press conference, as cited by Marca.

“This is my house, it has become my house, and this has been a wonderful year, the best of my career – I have lived great moments but I have also suffered a lot.

“I am very involved, a lot has happened to me, but I take my heart with it all of it and all the people who love me and respect me is a source of great pride for me.

“I came from a Madrid background; my father was a Real Madrid fan but very quickly I became an Atletico fan – I arrived a Viking and I am leaving as an Indian.

“It is amazing for me to feel so important here and a source of great pride to think that I am a legend at this club.”

During his stint with Atleti the defender has won a variety of trophies including a league title, two Europa League titles, two European Super Cups, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Supercopa, alongside participating in two Champions League finals.

He is the latest defender to leave the club this summer, after Bayern Munich signed Lucas Hernandez in an €80m deal and Diego Godin decided to leave – reportedly to join Inter.

Another full-back, Filipe Luis, is also out of contract this summer and likely to leave while there are question marks over a number of other first-team players, including Antoine Griezmann and Rodri.

Juanfran is said to have a new one-year offer on the table from Atleti but he did not want to take it up.

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