Martin Skrtel makes the move to Atalanta in the Serie A

Slovakian footballer Martin Skrtel has ended the speculation regarding his future by making the move to Italian side Atalanta. The experienced centre-back was out of contract following the release from Fenerbahce and he was linked with numerous clubs including Rangers, who are managed by former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.

However, he has ultimately made the move to Atalanta, where he has the opportunity to play Champions League football once more. Shortly after the Bosman move, the former Reds centre-back said that he is delighted to join the Serie A outfit and he is looking forward to competing in Europe’s elite competition.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m happy to be here obviously and I’m proud to be part of this football club and I’m looking forward to starting with the team on the pitch. I’ve been here all day today and I can feel this club is very organised with nice and kind people, so I’m happy to be here. I know that Atalanta finished third in the league last year and will be part of the Champions League this season. That will be great for the team.”

At the age of 34, Skrtel is at the final stages of his professional career but he still has the quality to make the difference on the field. Atalanta have been one of the most improved teams over the past few years and last season saw them qualify for the Champions League for the very first time after finishing third on the league table.

As such, the club are going through a promising period and it remains to be seen whether they can replicate the showing this term. Atalanta have started the new league season with a 3-2 triumph over SPAL. They have scheduled to host Torino at home before the international break.