Simao Sabrosa today bid an emotional farewell to Atletico Madrid after opting to leave for Besiktas. The move was announced yesterday with the Portuguese winger holding a press conference today to express his gratitude to everyone at the Vicente Calderon before starting his new adventure in Turkey.

Simao joined Atletico in 2007 for €20m from Benfica and believes he has given his all in the Spanish capital. He said: "I don't think I have defrauded anyone. It is difficult for me, I can hardly speak because since I came to Atletico I have grown and become a better professional.

"When I arrived I said I would do my best to win a title and I eventually ended up with two in Europe (the Europa League and the European Super Cup). I have to thank the fans, the support they have given me has been spectacular. I will continue to follow Atletico as a fan myself."

I have to thank the fans, the support they have given me has been spectacular. I will continue to follow Atletico as a fan myself.
Simao Sabrosa speaks on his relationship with the Atletico Madrid fans

Atletico president Don Enrique Cerezo hailed Simao's contribution over the past three and a half years. "We are here today to say farewell to a great player who has had so much success with Atletico Madrid," he said. "And we are here, above all else, to say farewell to a great person who we have all been privileged to know over the past few years."

Simao bowed out on a high by grabbing the only goal from the penalty spot on his final appearance last night as Atletico beat Espanyol in the Copa del Rey.