Atletico sign Salvio

(GSM) – Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Argentinian striker Eduardo Salvio, the Madrid club have confirmed.

Salvio, who had been heavily linked with the Primera Division club, has been in Madrid since Monday discussing the deal.

Atletico on Friday announced the 19-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Vicente Calderon.

Salvio, who has progressed through the ranks at Lanus, has already earned him two caps for Argentina.

“Above all I want to thank Atletico Madrid for giving me this opportunity,” said Salvio.

“I’m starting a new stage in my sporting career and I am very happy to be here.

“To start I hope to have a good season in these months that are left in the competition. I’m confident that I can give a lot of joy to the Atletico people.”

Atletico have beaten competition from a host of clubs to sign the youngster, paying Lanus a reported €10 million.

Club president Enrique Cerezo believes that in Salvio, who can also play as a winger, they have secured an important player for the future.

“By signing Salvio, Atletico Madrid has got one of the great promises of South American football,” he said. “A talented footballer, brilliant, with a promising future ahead.

“He is only 19, but already since he was little he has proved to be a player different to the others, destined to become one of the great footballing figures in his country and let him now leave his mark at Atletico Madrid.

“Many teams wanted to have his services, but he decided to sign for Atletico Madrid and make his debut in European football with the red and white shirt. Furthermore, he did it at a decisive moment, in which he is playing for the opportunity to participate in the World Cup in South Africa and we are confident that Salvio will not disappoint us.

“For us it is a great delight to be able to count on a young footballer of these characteristics. A skilful player, explosive and versatile, who can play as well as a winger as as a striker, strengthening even more our team in these two areas.”