Filipe Luis Joins Flamengo From Atletico Madrid

By Joshua Walters

After eight years at Atletico Madrid spread across two spells, Filipe Luis has announced his departure for Brazilian club Flamengo following the expiration of his contract.

The 33-year-old Brazil international put his club future on one side as he concentrated on his national team’s successful exploits at the 2019 Copa America on home soil but has now come clear on his next move.

"I have been a Flamenguista since I was young," the defender said. "Leaving Atletico is not an easy decision to make, but I want to end my career in Brazil."

“I’m privileged to have been a part of the best era of this club," he said. "I want to thank everyone. We enjoyed great moments. Today is a happy day, because I’ve given my all for this club.

"Playing at the Vicente Calderon and enjoying the Wanda Metropolitano’s first years has been unique. I will be back in the future, this is just a farewell as a player."

The former Chelsea player featured twenty-seven times, scoring two goals with two assists for Atletico Madrid in the 2018/19 season.

Having announced his departure, Los Rojiblancos have signed his fellow compatriot Renan Lodi as his replacement.

Luis was in his second spell at Atletico Madrid after spending the 2014/2015 season at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League and League Cup, before returning to the Spanish capital when he found first team opportunities in London hard to come by.

Luis’ Atletico Madrid career brought him a Spanish La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, two Europa League trophies and two UEFA super cups.