Luis Muriel, touching farewell from Atalanta and first words from Orlando

The transfer è official, and now come the explanations.

Luis Muriel leaves Atalanta and lands in MLS, at Orlando City. The news had been in the air for some time, but on Thursday it all became official through statements from the two clubs. Particularly touching were the words chosen by the Orobic club, particularly through their social channels, while the Colombian striker also wanted to explain why, among the various possibilities, he chose the one that will take him to Florida.

"You have kept us entertained, dreaming and dancing in Italy and Europe. Your plays and your smile will remain indelible in Nerazzurri history. Thanks for everything and good luck, Lucho", are the words posted on Twitter by Atalanta. Which instead, on its website, wrote: "Atalanta BC announces that it has sold to Orlando City SC – outright – the right to the sports performance of the footballer Luis Fernando Muriel Fruto, 32-year-old Colombian striker who thus concludes his long and flattering cycle in Bergamo, marked by 184 appearances, 68 goals and 28 assist-goals, a score thanks to which he contributed significantly to making the recent history of the Nerazzurri club".

"The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family and all of Atalanta BC particularly want to thank ‘Lucho’, not only for his contribution on the field but also for his’commitment, dedication and’attachment to the jersey in the four and a half seasons of his militancy in the Nerazzurri, in which he left indelible traces of his extraordinary talent (and infectious smile) with goals and plays of crystalline class, wishing him at the same time the best satisfactions for the continuation of his sporting career", one can still read on the Nerazzurri’s website.

For his part, Muriel has already spoken as an Orlando City player: "I am very excited and happy to be here and to experience the atmosphere of this city and this team. I received many offers, but I made this decision seeing how this club is growing and how strong the desire to win".