Gronkjaer joins Atlético de Madrid

By European Football
June 26 2005

‘Los Colchoneros’ have signed the former Birmingham midfielder while also trying to land many others. Agreements with Chelsea over Mateja Kezman and with Maxi Rodríguez have been reached. Real Madrid offered 20 million pounds plus Owen and Solari for Frank Lampard.

Jesper Gronkjaer, who agreed to join Atlético last winter, showed himself pleased with his new team.

“I’m sure I was right in signing for Atlético, and even though we didn’t make it to European cups, I know we are able to go for the highest objectives next season.”

Mateja Kezman is on the verge of becoming another reinforcement for Atlético. The directives have reached agreements with both the player and Chelsea, and the transfer will be done as soon as the agreements become effectives.

Maximiliano Rodríguez could also join the red and white team. The Argentine midfielder is not going to extend his contract with Espanyol and has accepted Atlético’s offer. Now the two teams must negotiate, and the probable fee will be around 6 million euros.

The other big Madrid team has made an offer for Chelsea’s star Frankie Lampard. The bid, 20 million pounds plus Santiago Solari and Michael Owen, has been rejected by the English side, since they consider Lampard to be a symbol of the team and are not willing to listen to any offers.