Valencia: Gameiro unveiled after departing Atlético Madrid
Valencia have completed the signing of Kevin Gameiro from Atlético Madrid, costing the Mestalla club 16 million euros.
Kevin Gameiro has been presented as a Valencia player after completing his move from Atlético Madrid and is aiming to make his debut against his former club.
The France international initially joined Atlético in 2016 after impressing at Sevilla, but he was rarely considered first-choice despite costing them a reported 32 million euros at the time.
He made just 11 starts in LaLiga last term, though he still managed to score seven times as Diego Simeone's men finished second to Barcelona in Spain's top tier.
Although Gameiro was considered a viable option both out wide and in attack, the pre-season arrivals of Gelson Martins, Nikola Kalinic and Thomas Lemar saw him fall even further down the pecking order, and Atlético have managed to recoup 16m euros for the 31-year-old.
Gameiro deal follows loan capture of Chelsea's Batshuayi
Gameiro has become Valencia's second attacking reinforcement in quick succession following the loan arrival of Michy Batshuayi and he plans to be available to face Atlético as his new side get their LaLiga campaign started on 20 August.
Says he'll "perhaps" be able to make Los Che bow against Atleti
"Perhaps," Gameiro told a news conference when asked if he will be ready for the visit of Atlético. "I have a little time left to get there [in terms of fitness]. I have a week to be here and prepare for the game."
According to speculation, Simeone and Atlético were reluctant to sell Gameiro, particularly to a team which will likely be a direct rival of theirs in the top four this season.
Striker determined to repay Marcelino confidence
But in securing the switch, Gameiro finds himself somewhere he has wanted to be for quite some time.
"It was not easy, but as the president has said, it has long been clear in my head [that he wanted to join Valencia]," Gameiro said. "Now I'm here and I'm very happy.
"A long time ago I wanted to come here, but because of club problems it couldn't be. Then there was no option and I went somewhere else.
"The coach [Marcelino García Toral] told me that he wanted to work with me for a long time. When the coach tells you that, it gives you a lot of confidence to come. I will work hard to try to do many great things here."
Gameiro has signed a three-year deal at Valencia.