Atletico Madrid captain Gabi leaves for Al Sadd

Madrid July 4 (IANS) Atletico Madrid s long-serving captain Gabi has confirmed his departure to Qatari football club Al Sadd bringing an end to his stint with the Spanish football club which he joined as a kid.
The 34-year-old defensive midfielder represented Atletico 417 times becoming the seventh player with the most matches in the club s history.
Atletico said in their website: "Our number 14 has left a legacy we will never forget. As our player he won six titles: one LaLiga two Europa Leagues one UEFA Super Cup one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup. Of these six titles he lifted five of them as the team s captain.
"This is a difficult and emotional day for me " Gabi said on Tuesday at a press conference according to Atletico s website. "It s been the hardest moment of my career. This club is a lifestyle for me.
"I d like to thank the fans for their non-stop continuous support. I m leaving but I ll be back soon to keep on helping " Gabi said.
Between 2007 to 2011 Gabi switched to Real Zaragoza before moving back to Atletico Madrid.

--IANS pur/mr