DBasia.news – Gian Piero Gasperini’s team, Atalanta, look at the 2019-20 Champions League. In order to add to the experience in the squad, Atalanta brought Martin Skrtel.
Slovak defender recruited Atalanta for free (free transfer) after ending cooperation with Fenerbahce. Skrtel, 34, added to the experience at the back of Atalanta because he had strengthened Liverpool in mid-2008-2016.
Skrtel signed a one-year contract with Atalanta and received a salary – reportedly – of one million euros per year. During strengthening Liverpool, Skrtel has played more than 300 matches.
In addition, Skrtel was also the captain of the Slovak national team in the period 2003-2018. During this time, the former Zenit Saint Petersburg defender has also played 103 caps and scored six goals.
“I will try to do my best and give everything when competing, do the job 100 percent and as a defender try to be aggressive to opponents to stop them scoring goals,” said Skrtel on the official website of Atalanta.
“For a player, the Champions League is a top competition and every player dreams of playing there, especially when you were a kid. I played in the Champions League with Liverpool and I’m happy to be in the tournament again with Atalanta.”
Skrtel became Atalanta’s fifth recruit this summer. Previously, Atalanta managed to secure the services of Aimone Cali, Marco Varnier, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Luis Muriel. The last name will be his compatriot tandem on the front line of Atalanta, Duvan Zapata.
In addition to recruiting players, Atalanta also sells Franck Kessie, Bryan Cristante, Andrea Petagna. The third contract was inaugurated by their respective clubs after undergoing a loan period last season. While Gianluca Mancini was loaned out to AS Roma.