Gabi to hold farewell press conference in Madrid

Atlético Madrid announced Monday night that academy-bred midfielder Gabriel Arenas Fernández will speak to the press on Tuesday, July 3 at 5 p.m. Madrid time. Atlético’s captain will announce he is to leave the club and join Qatari side Al Sadd.

Gabi flew in to Doha on Monday with Atleti’s permission and Al Sadd confirmed his signing on social media. They’ve also shown the 34-year-old taking in the sights and even published a brief interview with him in which he says Xavi’s presence convinced him to join. The rojiblanco legend hopes to win “all the titles,” starting with the AFC Champions League. Al Sadd are in the quarterfinals of that competition — they face Iranian side Esteghlal in a two-legged tie which begins Aug. 27.

As I wrote last week, Gabi stands to make €19m over his three-year contract with “the Boss” (yes, that is a nickname for Al Sadd). His press conference Tuesday evening will be one last wave goodbye to his Atlético teammates and fans — and it will see a new era begin for the capital club.