Atletico Madrid sign Emre Belözoğlu on a two-year deal

2012-05-29 04:40:32

Atletico Madrid have signed Fenerbahçe midfielder Emre Belözoğlu on a free transfer.

The Colchoneros had reportedly offered the experienced Turkish international a €2.5 million deal last week however, the speculation was initially dismissed as a rumor.

Atleti confirmed news of the transfer on their official website clubatleticodemadrid.com, "Emre, will sign a two year contract on Thursday after arriving in Madrid and passing a medical."

Arda Turan was quoted on the website as saying, "Emre possesses everything to do well at Atletico. He has a big personality and experience which will help in key games.

"For me he's like my big brother, I have learned a lot from him," he said.

Atleti Sporting Director, Jose Luis Perez Caminero also expressed his thoughts over the new deal. "With Emre incorporated into our midfield we will have an added drive and quality passing.

"His experience will add strength to our team, which is currently one of the youngest in the league," he stated.

The experienced Turkish international's contract expires this summer and Emre is rumored to be unsettled at Fenerbahçe following on and off the field controversies as well as rifts with manager Aykut Kocaman.

Emre's agent Ahmet Bulut was also responsible for securing the deal between Atleti and Arda Turan last summer. Bulut had been leading the negotiations accompanied by partner Jorge Mendes.

The 31 year old midfield dynamo scored six times and contributed with four assists in 27 games this season and helped the Yellow Canaries win their first Turkish Cup in almost 30 years.