Luis Garcia bound for Atletico: Agent

[Dub13]

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/mhkfqlcwidey/

02/07/2007 - 10:55:43
http://www.breakingnews.ie/new/images/icons/text_increase_small_on.gif (javascript:ts('body',-1)) http://www.breakingnews.ie/new/images/icons/text_increase_large_on.gif (javascript:ts('body',1))
Liverpool forward Luis Garcia is set to complete a permanent move to Atletico Madrid in the next 24 hours, according to the player’s agent.

The Spanish international has been linked with a return to his former club, who are believed to be close to agreeing a separate £27m deal for striker Fernando Torres to move the other way.

“We are working on Luis Garcia’s permanent transfer to Atletico de Madrid,� Garcia’s agent Manuel Garcia Quillon.

“If all goes well, the deal should be completed either today or tomorrow.�

Garcia arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2004 from Barcelona and played a pivotal role in the Reds winning the Champions League that season.

The 29-year-old suffered a serious knee injury this year in January which curtailed his season.

[Malzheimer]

I think he will be a great signing for Athletico, the writings been on the walls for a few weeks now, best of luck to him despite being the most frustrating player ever, his moments of magic were worth the pain!

[redeagle]

in a way i think we will miss the little fella.

[Fowler's God]

He will be missed he was mercurial at times for us. Will always be remembered for his role in the road to Istanbul and his knack of getting crucial goals against chelsea

[WexRed]

......oh please don't take our Luis awaaaaay

Didn't realise he was 29 actually. I presume he wanted the move and the writing was on the wall with the confirmed interest in Benayoun so good luck to little fella. Its nice to see a popular (though sometimes divisive, i.e. cult) player going on such good terms with the club and fans and to a club he always said he'd go back to. Hopefully they might get into the CL so we can meet up again.

[callyno3]

Gonna miss the little lad alright, That goal against juve was a beauty that sticks in my head, could be frustrating but was always good for a goal and he scored some important ones. Was in Barca just after we singed him and the barca fans rated him very highly.

[Dub13]

I think Barca insisted on a buy back clause IIRC.

[reder]

His wife has been homesick since day 1. Dont think she has ever adapted to life in the UK since they arrived.

[megager]

He still has a lot to offer. Maybe if Athletico do better and qualify for champs league he could sink chelsea just one more time.

[bmac]

I loved his goals and he definately contributed but this little guy drove me mad....

Wonder goal one game, sloppy passing the next... Sad to see him go but hope we get someone with his ability and without his sloppy passing

[marko]

Best of luck to him,scored some great goals like juve and chelsea in the CL,added that bit of creativity which was so lacking in the second half of the season since he got injured,we need to replace him though not sure benyoun is the answer but if hes signs ill support the lad.

[Rogie]

I always got annoyed at Luis when he wouldn't "JUST PASS THE BALL". However the good he done for the club is what I'll remember him for.

Goal against Juve Cl '05
Goal Against Chelsea Cl '05
Goal against Chelsea FA Cup '06

Also the header he scored against Anderlecht always makes me laugh when I see it. How did he get that in? Stuff like that really makes you remember how good he was.

[carramagic]

will miss little Luis:(

[BornaRedLass]

Wont miss the bloody thumb sucking...

[Alex Raisbeck]

Wont miss the bloody thumb sucking...

But Ill miss him and one of our better player songs.

[Garrett]

Im sorry to see him go,

no doubt about it, he was a fan favorite ... hope things go well for him at his new home ( & that we don't live to regret letting him go ! )

[Disco Stu]

Yeah, Best of luck Luis. I think we must go out and get Benayoun quickly as cover. Not as unpredictable as Garcia but a better all round player (in my opinion). He'll fit in well at Anfield. Although if money's not an option - Let's get Tevez too :)

[paddypower111]

good luck to him.

[Jockser]

will miss the wee fella

[GaryMc]

hand in heart, I will not be that sad, he was good in Europe, but luxury player in the Premiership. If we are to be serious contenders, no passengers can be tolerated.

No doubt he has great skill and scored some great goals, but is one of the most frustrating players ever.

[paddypower111]

i have to agree with u kop. i saw games and there were alot of them where i would shout at the tv cause he would give passes away not track back etc. he was good to pop up with a great goal but he was a pain in the ass at other things:eek:

[redeagle]

luis garcia, the footballer you love to hate.

[stevieg]

Cant say i will miss him,we couldnt afford him in our team giving the ball away all the time and yes did he score a few important goals.
But the fact we got to the Champions League Final without him this season,is enough for me to say we wont miss him too much in Europe as that was always peoples arguement how we need him in Europe.

[Malzheimer]

But the fact we got to the Champions League Final without him this season,is enough for me to say we wont miss him too much in Europe as that was always peoples arguement how we need him in Europe.

Well said

[Dub13]

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Luis Garcia from Liverpool on a three-year deal.

[bmac]

Official now on lfc.tv

bye bye luis, was kinda hoping this might fall through :(

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156271070703-1550.htm

[Colm]

http://www.clubatleticodemadrid.com/en/atleticoaldia/noticias.asp?id=1433
:

Luis GarcÃ*a emphasizes his “immense happiness” to return to Atletico during his presentation



He returns to Atletico de Madrid four years later. Luis GarcÃ*a defended the red-and-white jersey during the 2002/2003 season, leaving a pleasant memory at his official presentation as a new Atletico footballer, as he stressed that his return to Vicente Calderon Stadium fills him with happiness. The footballer, arriving from Liverpool, was accompanied by Don Enrique Cerezo, President of Atletico de Madrid, and Jesús GarcÃ*a Pitarch, the General Manager. Luis Garcia has signed for the next three years and next week he’ll put himself at the orders of Javier Aguirre to start the pre-season.

To begin, Don Enrique Cerezo welcomed the player, emphasizing that ”more than a presentation, we find ourselves at a return home. Luis left Atletico because of a clause in his contract that allowed Barcelona to re-buy him, but now we’re lucky to be able to count on him once again. He arrives, moreover, after winning a Champions League and more titles at Liverpool. It’s an important day for all Atletico fans to celebrate the return of this player”.

The Atletico director stressed that ”if he’s back at Atletico it’s because he wanted to come. We have to emphasize his interest in returning and his fondness for these colours. Luis GarcÃ*a returns to his home and I’m sure that he’ll make us feel proud once again. The fact is that we’re delighted that he’s back at Atletico once again”.

The Atletico President, to finish, pointed out that ”the team has a good foundation. The seeds have been sown to later reap the harvest. We have very good players and all of those who come will be of the highest category”.

Luis GarcÃ*a, for his part, acknowledged that ”since I left Atletico, I had a monkey on my shoulders for not hav1ng been able to enjoy more years at this Club. Therefore, I’m really excited to be back. It was difficult to leave Liverpool, but I wanted to come back and play in Spain and this is a good opportunity to try and win titles. I did it in England and my goal is to do the same in Spain, and in this case, at Atletico. It’s a very special Club for me and I have a lot of affection for it”.

The Catalan footballer also affirmed that ”I felt something beautiful when I was at Atletico and returning brings me an immense happiness. The Club is trying to create an important project and all of us who come do so with excitement. I hope we can all enjoy a grand Atletico”.

Luis GarcÃ*a acknowledged that ”football is seen in a different way in England and playing there leaves a mark on any footballer. The Atletico fans are similar to those at Liverpool because they’re always cheering and encouraging. The truth is that they were great to me and showed me lots of affection. Anyway, I’m confident that we’re all going to do a good job to place Atleti where it deserves to be”.

The new Atletico player explained again that ”I’ve spent three very good years at Liverpool, but I insist that I want to try and win a title in Spain. This is my thought at the moment, as I return to Atletico, and that’s why I didn’t want to let this opportunity slip away. I hope to get that monkey that I was talking about in the upcoming three years”, acknowledging that ”I still haven’t spoken with Javier Aguirre, but he’s shown that he knows how to run a team and with the continuity that he’s been given I think that we’ll have a great season. I’m confident of achieving something important”.

To finish the presentation of Luis GarcÃ*a, Jesús GarcÃ*a Pitarch informed those present that “Cléber Santana has been signed and will be presented at some time next week”.

[Fowler's God]

http://www.marca.com/ficheros/marca/imagenes/luisgarcia030707_ES.jpg

Hard to take seeing him in there kit but we have Torres to soften tha blow without any late hitches

[Colm]

disappionting to see him in that shirt!

I was thinking about some of his best moments,what about this? lol;
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/images/jb2/keanegarcia_get500.jpg

[dougal]

Sorry to see him go but with him being 29 it makes sense I suppose.

Still leaves us with a need for creativity - I remember an article on .tv that showed his involvement in goals with either the last or telling pass.

[JMurray#8]

He will always be rembered for his definite goal against Chelsea in the semis, not to mention that cracking goal against Juve. Thanks Luis!!!

[Colm]

He will always be rembered for his definite goal against Chelsea in the semis, not to mention that cracking goal against Juve. Thanks Luis!!!
and his fa cup semi goal against chelsea :D

[gav003]

Goodbye Luis and thanks for the memories!!

[Alex Raisbeck]

Best of luck Luis.

[Disco Stu]

True. But great mentality :D I'm surprised Rafa let him go so easily :eek:

[FinnanNo3]

Bye bye Luis, Thanks and good luck.