Mista to start again at Atlético

Club Atlético de Madrid have pulled off a transfer coup by acquiring Mista from Valencia CF for a reported €4m.

Fresh challenge
The 27-year-old striker had spent five campaigns at the Mestalla stadium but agreed to a fresh challenge after learning he was not part of Quique Sánchez Flores's plans, especially with the arrival of Fernando Morientes. Mista has been given a four-year contract to play under Atlético coach Javier Aguirre, with the option of a further 12 months.

'Great joy'
“It’s been a surprise but above all a great joy for me to have signed for Atlético," said Mista, who made just ten starts in 29 league appearances last season, scoring one goal. "To play for a club of this type is always important for any player and all I want is to return all the efforts the club has made to sign me. After a bad season a good one comes along."

European triumph
Mista was part of the Valencia team that won the 2003/04 UEFA Cup, scoring and contributing a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-0 final victory against Olympique de Marseille. The move to the capital means he will return to the city where he began his career with Real Madrid CF before moving on to CD Tenerife in the 1998/99 season. Capped twice by Spain last year, Mista will join up with his new Atlético team-mates at their training camp in Germany.