Luis García returns to Atlético

Club Atlético de Madrid have brought UEFA Champions League winner Luis García back to the Vicente Calderón following the attacking midfielder's successful stay at Liverpool FC.

Torres departure
The transfer for an undisclosed fee comes as Liverpool near the signature of Atlético captain Fernando Torres. The 29-year-old Luis García spent the 2002/03 season in Madrid, scoring nine goals in 30 league games. It earned him a move to FC Barcelona for one campaign before he switched to Liverpool. His three seasons at Anfield included the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League triumph, when he scored five goals. In all he made 77 Premier League appearances, scoring 18 times, although a serious knee injury means he has not played since January.

European ambition
A Spanish international, Luis García will offer Atlético attacking options on both flanks and he can also play just behind the strikers. He joins the club on a three-year contract three days after the addition of Uruguay striker Diego Forlán from Villarreal CF. Atlético have also confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Cléber from Santos FC, also on a three-year deal. The 26-year-old has played in his homeland for his whole career except for a spell in 2005 at Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol.

Busy summer
It has been a busy summer for the capital club, who finished seventh in the 2006/07 Primera División, with goalkeeper Christian Abbiati and midfielder Raúl García also joining while there is a new coach in the form of Javier Aguirre after his arrival from CA Osasuna. Atlético have been keen to strengthen ahead of their participation in the UEFA Intertoto Cup third round. Should they come through their tie against either Maccabi Haifa FC or AFC Gloria 1922 Bistrita, they will enter the UEFA Cup second qualifying round.