Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Croatia forward Nikola Kalinic from AC Milan on a three-year deal.
The 30-year-old joined the Rossoneri from Fiorentina last summer, initially on loan, and scored six goals in 41 appearances for the club.
The forward was part of Croatia’s World Cup squad but was sent home after he refused to come on as a substitute during the 2-0 group stage win over Nigeria, claiming a back problem.
Atletico said on the club’s official website that 6ft 2in Kalinic, who had a two-season spell in England with Blackburn, would “bring a great aerial presence” and “is a force to be reckoned with in set-pieces and aerial plays. He’s also good at holding up the ball and is great at shooting from a distance.”
Reports in Italy and Spain suggest the deal is worth around 15 million euros (£13.8m).
AC Milan paid tribute to their former striker in a short statement, which read: “The club thanks the player for his professionalism and commitment to AC Milan and wishes him the best in his new sporting stage and his career.”
