Athletico Madrid sign Diego Godin
Athletico Madrid have completed the transfer of central defender Diego Godin from La Liga rivals Villareal. The Uruguay international will undergo a medical exam at the end of the week and, barring the club’s doctors discovering any problems with the player’s health, he will finalise the move when he signs a five-year contract on Monday. The financial details of the deal have not been revealed.
The Europa League winners finished in ninth place in the Spanish league last season after conceding 61 goals – the second-highest figure outside of the three relegation spots. With Athletico shipping so many goals and finishing 52 points behind champions Barcelona, coach Quique Sanchez Flores had been determined to shore up his back line with the club looking to challenge for honours again this season. After securing the services of left-back Filipe Luis from Deportivo La Coruna in July, Flores turned his attention to Godin.
The 24-year-old defender started out his career with Cerro before being snapped up by Club Nacional de Football in 2006. Despite his tender years, he was soon named captain as he impressed with his leadership qualities on and off the pitch. He impressed enough in his 26 appearances to attract the attention of Villareal scouts and he moved to the Spanish outfit on a five-year deal in 2007.
In just his second game with Villareal, he scored his first goal for the La Liga team as the club fell 3-2 to Osasuna. He shone in his first season in Spain as he helped Villareal achieve their best league placement ever as they finished second. In total, he made 91 appearances for Villareal and scored four goals.
Godin has also excelled on the international stage, having helped Uruguay to a fourth-place finish at the 2010 Fifa World Cup. He has made 41 appearances in total for his country and has scored three goals.
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