Ricardo Quaresma is expected to complete a move to
Atletico Madrid in the coming hours.
The former Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona man - who moved to Porto
three years ago as a part of the deal that brought Deco to Spain,
is set for a return to La Liga.
Atletico Madrid will pay Porto 20 million euros for the Portuguese
winger, and a few more based on performances and results.
The move will see Los Colchoneros have a rather long line-up of
wingers, with Maxi Rodriguez and Petrov both fit again, and Luis
Garcia also on the way in.
This signing comes on the back of Atletico Madrid signing Diego
Forlan for 21 million euros, and almost certainly rules Riquelme
out as a possibility.
Atletico Madrid have been second only to Barcelona in terms of
their summer spending in Spain, with Real Madrid yet to make their
moves. They have already netted Raul Garcia, Abbiati, Cleber
Santana and Diego Costa.
They are also close to netting Spanish international defender Angel
from relegated Celta Vigo, which will officially complete their
business for the summer.
As for Quaresma, this is his big chance to prove himself in La
Liga, and make a point to Frank Rijkaard, who was unimpressed with
the winger over his unwillingness to adapt.
Quaresma had refused to play on the left back then, and was thus
left on the bench with Luis Garcia and skipper Luis Enrique being
preferred on the right.
He had also hit out at Rijkaard for failing to give him enough
chances, and has vowed never to play under him again. He wants a
return to Barcelona, but "not while Rijkaard is the coach."
For now, it will be Atletico Madrid - who have been chasing for
almost 12 months, it has to be said - whom he will ply his trade
for.
