Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has paid tribute to outgoing midfielder Raul Garcia, who is heading for Athletic Bilbao.
Atletico's work in the transfer market this summer was expected to seriously harm Garcia's chances of first-team football, and the Basque has been granted permission to join Bilbao.
The agreement was confirmed by Bilbao on Monday and the 29-year-old has left with Simeone's best wishes.
"We say goodbye to a man and a captain. He deserves this opportunity," Simeone told reporters.
Garcia is expected to sign a four-year deal at San Mames.
