(Reuters) - Long-standing Atletico Madrid captain Gabi Fernandez will join Qatari top division side Al Sadd on a two-year contract, the La Liga side has said.
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Gabi, a product of Atletico's youth set-up, spent 11 seasons at the club across two spells, winning one La Liga title and two Europa Leagues among six trophies, and will link up with former Barcelona talisman Xavi Hernandez at the Qatari side.
"This is a difficult and emotional day for me," the 34-year-old midfielder told a news conference at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
"It's been the hardest moment of my career. This club is a lifestyle for me."
Gabi made 417 appearances for Atletico and also played for La Liga rivals Getafe for one season on loan and Real Zaragoza from 2007-11 before returning to the Spanish capital.
(Reporting by Arnab Paul in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)