New Milan forward Luiz Adriano: “I’ve joined one of the biggest clubs in the world”

New Milan forward Luiz Adriano believes he has “joined one of the biggest clubs in the world.” The Brazil international – capped four times since debuting in 2014 – arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported fee of €8 million on Wednesday and has agreed a contract until June 2020. Adriano’s deal with Shakhtar would […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-07-03 20:32:00

New Milan forward Luiz Adriano believes he has “joined one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

The Brazil international – capped four times since debuting in 2014 – arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported fee of €8 million on Wednesday and has agreed a contract until June 2020.

Adriano’s deal with Shakhtar would have expired in December and after allegedly rejecting offers from Fenerbahçe and Al Ahli Club, it became increasingly inevitable that he would end up joining Milan, who would reportedly have secured him on a free transfer in January, if terms could not be agreed now.

“Today is a very important and happy day for my career,” Adriano told CalcioMercato, as reported by website Football Italia.

“I’m leaving Shakhtar after eight years, a club that is very important to me. They believed in my potential, and helped me establish myself in world football.

“I thank President Rinat Akhmetov , the Coach Mircea Lucescu – who was like a father to me – and all my teammates, who helped me to achieve these levels.

“I want to give a special thanks to the fans, who always showed me their affection.

“I’ve joined one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m very happy. I can’t wait to start training and playing for Milan.”

Adriano’s switch to Italy ends his eight year stay with Shakhtar. The 28 year-old was signed from Internacional for a reported fee of €3 million in March 2007 and went on to score 128 goals in 265 appearances.

With the Kroty, he was part of a side that won 15 honours, including the 2008-09 UEFA Europa League.

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