Mandzukic joins Atletico

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic on a four-year deal.

The Croatia international was Bayern’s top goalscorer in the Bundesliga last season with 18 goals, as Pep Guardiola’s men easily defended their league title.

However, Bayern completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski on a Bosman transfer, potentially limiting Mandzukic’s first-team opportunities at the Allianz Arena.

Milan and Arsenal were heavily tipped to move for the 28-year-old, but Spanish champions Atletico have brought him to the Vicente Calderon as a direct replacement for Chelsea-bound Diego Costa.

“Incorporating Mario Mandzukic is great news because he has the features we are looking for in this position,” Atletico’s sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero told the club’s official website.

“He is a strong striker with a great passing game and a powerful shot. He allows us to start pressuring the rival from the beginning.

“He combines well with his attacking team-mates and is used to competing at the highest level.

“He is a winner, a player used to winning titles. He will contribute very much.”

Mandzukic moved to Bayern ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, and during his time at the Allianz Arena he has won two Bundesliga titles, the UEFA Champions League and two DFB-Pokal medals.

He has also scored 15 times in 52 matches with Croatia, and recently featured at the FIFA World Cup.