The Colombian striker has ended speculation regarding his future by confirming that he is set for a move to Atl tico Madrid on a four-year contract
Despite enduring a disappointing Copa America campaign in Chile that ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina in the quarter-final on Friday, Jackson Martineza s stock seems to be sky-high amongst Europea s top clubs.
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It appears that Diego Simeonea s Atl tico Madrid have won the race for his signature, with the player quoted by Spanish newspaper AS after the defeat as saying, a I can confirm I am going to Atl tico. I am going there for four years but I still do not know when I will be introduced.
a I have had great progression, always learning, always growing and now I’m going to Atl tico where I hope to help the team and continue to grow as a player.a
The comments come as a blow to Arsenal, and particularly AC Milan, who were widely reported to be chasing his signature. The Colombian leaves Porto after three very successful seasons, scoring 92 goals in 132 appearances for the Portuguese giants, including 28 goals in all competitions in 2014/2015.
Jackson Mart nez: “I can confirm I am going to Atl tico” – http://t.co/zV94RqaXbZ pic.twitter.com/2O7soUbuFl
a AS English (@English_AS) June 27, 2015
Atl tico Madrid, meanwhile, continue to conduct excellent business as Simeone once again prepares to attempt the seemingly impossible a beating city rivals Real Madrid and Catalan giants Barcelona to the Spanish league title. With Mario MandA?uki a s departure to Juventus already confirmed, Martinez comes as an almost like-for-like replacement, and arguably is more suited to Atl ti given he is quicker than the Croatian and arguably more of a threat on the counter-attack, which has consistently been Atl ticoa s forte under Diego Simeone.
The Colombian could be played in tandem with Luciano Vietto up front for Atl tico, but will have to get used to Simeonea s demands a with his forwards often required to press from the front in Atl tia s 4-4-2 defensive shape. However, given his comments, Martinez appears ready to develop as a footballer and to potentially follow in Radamel Falcaoa s footsteps to become a genuinely world class forward.
