There Wasn't A Dry Eye In Diego Godin's Emotional Farewell Press Conference

"A cyclus is over, the most beautiful one of my life and my career. And nothing else. I'm proud to be part of this amazing club and I'm thankful for everyone here. It's not a club, it's my family, my home, my way of life."

These were the words of Diego 'Capitán' Godin; a man dedicated to leading Atletico's defensive line through the years, but it was confirmed earlier that his nine year stint at the Wanda Metropolitano is almost up.

The 33-year-old announced in a press conference on Tuesday that he will leave Madrid at the end of the season, with reports suggesting he is all set to join Serie A giants Inter Milan in the summer.

"In short, I am captain of the team and have been here many years." he said.

"We have not reached an agreement to continue so my time here is over. It has been the best of my career and my life,

"I would like to play here until I'm 40 but it's impossible. For me the priority has always been the club, the team, my teammates. But we could not reach an agreement so I have decided to leave. There's nothing more to it than that."

It was an emotional press conference for all involved, including the likes of Antoine Griezmann and manager Diego Simeone, who were spotted in the crowd in tears as Godin spoke of his love for the club.

"I'm nervous, even more than for a match. These will be my final days at Atletico Madrid. I want to communicate all the love I have for this club, this shirt." he said.

"I am Atletico, because this is not a club, it's a family and a way of life. It has been my home and it's very hard to say goodbye.

"I never imagined this moment would come and I am not prepared."

Godin has made 381 appearances for Atleti since he joined from Villarreal in the summer of 2010.

He's won seven major titles in the capital, including a La Liga winners medal in 2013/14.

Diego Simeone will struggle to replace Godin's larger than life presence, that's for sure.

Who should Atletico buy to replace him?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Football, Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann, Madrid, La Liga, Diego Simeone, Inter Milan

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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