Arsenal & Liverpool lose out on the striker
Brazilian striker Luiz Adriano has signed for AC Milan on a five year contract, in a deal worth £5.6 million.
The 28 year old has penned a contract that runs to the summer of 2020, and will meet up with his new teammates in a few days.
Adriano had earlier agreed terms with the Rossoneri, with the transfer officially announced on Thursday evening.
He becomes the second high profile striker to join the Italian club this summer, after Carlos Bacca signed for £21 million, subject to a medical.
Adriano enjoyed a fruitful Champions League campaign in front of goal last season, scoring nine goals, all be it eight of which were scored in two games against BATE Borisov.
Only Messi, Ronaldo & Neymar scored more CL goals (10)
In fact he scored the same number of goals in Europe as in the Ukranian Premier League.
Adriano had just one year left on his contract in Donetsk, with Shakhtar keen to avoid losing him on a free next summer.
He joined the club in 2006, and has gone onto become the club’s all time record goal scorer, whilst also helping Shakhtar win the Europa League.
Shakhtar released an official statement after the news broke. It read:
“FC Shakhtar thanks Luiz for the years he has spent in the team, for the goals scored and records set.
“We wish Luiz good luck in his new club and beautiful victories!”
Arsenal and Liverpool were both said to be after the prolific striker, but have missed out again, as they did with the Bacca transfer.
Milan with Adriano will get their pre season campaign underway next week with two friendlies in Italy, before they jet out to China for the International Champions Cup, to play city rivals Inter and Real Madrid.
By Joseph Richardson