[D-Kin]

Inter striker Alvaro Recoba has confirmed that he is keen on joining Atletico Madrid. “It would be a great opportunity.”

Reports had suggested that the Uruguayan was on the verge of moving to Spain, as he only appeared sporadically for the Nerazzurri last season and is eager to be granted more playing time.

“There has not been an official offer yet, but my agent Paco Casal will be in Europe next week and will meet official Miguel Angel Gil, with whom he has an excellent relationship,” Recoba told Spanish newspaper AS.

“To play for Atletico is an extraordinary opportunity, they are a great club and I want to join them, even if they don’t qualify for the UEFA Cup,” added El Chino, who joined Inter in 1997.

“I arrived 10 years ago and I have always played here, except for a short spell at Venezia. I grew up with the Nerazzurri, but now it’s time for a change and Atletico offer me this chance.”

The 31-year-old is contracted to Inter until 2008 and President Massimo Moratti, one of his biggest fans, is prepared to let him leave on a free transfer.

“I spoke to Moratti last week, before I left. He is the reason I stayed here so long, but this time we looked each other in the eye and agreed this is the right moment to leave.

“We have always had a special relationship and he will let me go for free, even if I still have a year on my contract, as long as I don’t move to another Italian club,” he explained.

This is the easiest way to say goodbye,” concluded Recoba, who is expected to seal a deal with Atletico next week once the current La Liga season comes to an end.

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