Atletico Madrid captain Gabi joins Qatar's Al Sadd

Bengaluru/Doha: July 3: Qatar's Al Sadd club signed Atletico Madrid captain Gabi on a two-year deal with the possibility of the extension for a third.

The 34-year-old Spaniard travelled to the Qatari capital on Monday to ink the deal and pictures of him posing with Al Sadd officials at Doha's Hamad International Airport and later at the club premises, went viral on the social media.

Spanish star Gabi has arrived in Doha for a medical after receiving permission from his club Atletico de Madrid to negotiate with #AlSaddpic.twitter.com/0Dy18skTbq

— AlSadd S.C | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) July 2, 2018

The Qatar Stars League club later announced the signing of Gabi on its social media channels. Speaking after signing the contract, Gabi told the club website: "I took the decision to play in Qatar after deep thought, especially as I spent many years playing in Spain. I now look forward to this new experience at a new club, which I'm sure will be a great one.

رسمياً : الزعيم يتعاقد مع اللاعب الأسباني غابي فيرنانديز لمدة موسمين مع خيار التجديد لموسم ثالث . #غابي_سداوي #السد #قطر pic.twitter.com/plPvMQZ2Qq

— AlSadd S.C | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) July 2, 2018

At Al Sadd, who are former AFC Champions League winners, Gabi is expected to form a vital cog in midfield alongside the other Spanish maestro -- captain and Barcelona legend -- Xavi Hernandez.

Bienvenido a la familia Al Sadd Gabi 🏁❤️#welcomeGabi pic.twitter.com/gPv6Gj9p7M

— AlSadd S.C | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) July 2, 2018

"Xavi was the first person to talk to me about coming to Qatar and Al Sadd. He told me a lot about the project at Al Sadd and that we would make a great duo in it. We will now work together to ensure that more success comes to the club, by winning titles," Gabi added.

Gabi becomes the third big name to join Sadd in recent times.

Former Spain international and Real Madrid star Raul Gonzalez also had a stint with the Qatari club.

Gabi, who was a key player in Atletico midfield for more than ten years in two stints (2004 to 2007 and 2011 to 2018) also played for Getafe (2007 to 2011) besides spending a year at Real Zaragoza on loan.

Last week, Spanish publications Diario AS, Cadena Cope and Cadena Ser had all reported that the 34-year-old has struck an agreement with the Middle East club, while Marca report said an offer is under 'serious consideration'.

It is now official though.

"I will strive very hard to embed the concept of European thought into Qatari football and try to help young players evolve during my stay here," said Gabi, whose arrival will be a big boost to Sadd's chances not only domestically, but also in the AFC Champions League where they will take on Iranian side Esteghlal in a double-legged play-off tie which begins on August 27.

Having come through the youth system at the Madrid-based club, Gabi spent four years at Real Zaragoza between 2007 and 2011 before returning to Diego Simeone's side.

The central midfielder has amassed a total of 414 first-team appearances for the Europa League winners but has never been capped by Spain.

Meanwhile, Los Rojiblancos appear to have already signed a long-term successor to the experienced midfielder with the acquisition of Rodri from Villarreal.

At Sadd, Gabi is expected to earn €6m, though the financial details are yet to be revealed.

Gabi also spoke about bringing his experience to the team and helping the development of young Qatari players in the country, which is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. "I will work hard to implement the European mentality in Qatari football, helping Qatari players to improve during my time here."

"My aim with Al-Sadd will be to compete for and win all the titles, with the AFC Champions League being our first stop. I am very happy to be here in Qatar and to play for Al-Sadd."

(With Al Sadd inputs)