Maxi on the move to Atlético
Friday, July 1, 2005
Article summary
Club Atlético de Madrid have secured the services of the RCD Espanyol forward Maxi Rodríguez until June 2008.
Article body
Key contributor
Atlético have paid a reported €3.5m for the Argentinian international, whose 15 goals helped Espanyol to fifth position in the Primera División and a UEFA Cup place. "I am very excited about the move," Maxi said.
Three seasons
The 24-year-old, who joined Espanyol from CA Newell's Old Boys on the eve of the 2002/03 campaign, missed just one league game all season. He had 12 months left on his contract with the Catalan club, for whom he registered 26 goals in 111 appearances in total.
Defensive addition
Atlético have also signed 20-year-old right-back Juan Valera on a free transfer from Real Murcia CF. The Spanish Under-19 international has agreed a three-year deal. The pair become Atlético's second and third summer signings following Serbia and Montenegro striker Mateja Kezman's €9m arrival from Chelsea FC.