Atletico Madrid announces Jackson Martinez capture

Atletico Madrid on Wednesday confirmed the signing of Jackson Martinez from Porto on a four year deal.

The Spanish club who sold Mandzukic to Juventus earlier this summer paid the €35 million release clause to acquire the services of the Colombian forward.

The 28 year old was linked with a move to AC Milan and was close to joining the San Siro club, but negotiations fell through after Milan refused to sign the player without a medical while still away at the Copa America.

¡YA ES OFICIAL! ;) @J_MOfficial firmará por 4 temporadas: http://t.co/2EnfMgf0HV #BienvenidoJackson pic.twitter.com/G7qiYTdJrL

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) July 15, 2015

Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Caminero said regarding the Colombian acquisition: "We are very pleased with the agreement, because Jackson Martinez is an extraordinary striker, able to rapidly solve any attacking play inside the box."

Thanks to his size, he heads very well and interchangeably uses either foot to shoot. I am sure that he will greatly increase the potential of our team and will bring plenty to the group.

"We are delighted with his signing because he is a football player used to compete at a top level in Porto and has shone brightly in important competitions such as the Champions League," he added. 

Earlier this month FC Porto announced on its website that an agreement have been reached with Atletico Madrid for the purchase of the forward. A statement read:

"This Tuesday, Atletico de Madrid informed Futebol Clube do Porto – Futebol, SAD that they will pay the release fee for player Jackson Martínez, worth 35 million euros (£24.8 million)" 

After Colombia's defeat to Argentina in the Copa America, Martinez to AS about his imminent to the Spanish Capital.

He said: "I can confirm I am going to Atletico.

"I am going there for four years but I still don’t know when I will be introduced. I have had great progression, always learning, always growing and now I’m going to Atlético where I hope to help the team and continue to grow as a player."

Martinez signed for Porto in 2012, and during his three seasons with the club, he scored 92 goals in 132 appearances. Follow on twitter @natezone14 for more updates and like our Facebook page ZephNate