Forlan bids Atletico farewell - Striker sad to leave Madrid but excited about imminent Inter move

Forlan: Will never lose his affection for Atletico but is looking forward to joining Inter

Diego Forlan has expressed his sadness at leaving Atletico Madrid as he prepares to finalise a switch to Inter Milan.

The Uruguayan striker is set to travel to Italy on Monday afternoon to put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Serie A giants.

Inter were keen to lure Forlan to the Giuseppe Meazza to strengthen their attacking line following the sale of Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala last week.

While Forlan is looking forward to embarking on a new challenge, he is emotional about leaving Atletico after four years at the Vicente Calderon.

"It's difficult to say goodbye after four years here and three years at Villarreal," said Forlan in a press conference in Madrid. "I am sad to leave Spain.

"I feel a great affection to the people and I will never forget it.

New project

"The experience at Atletico has been incredible. We have won many titles but not only that, I've met great people at the club.

"I leave as an Atletico fan. These people will remain in my heart."

The 32-year-old joined Atletico in 2007 from Villarreal and helped the Madrid outfit clinch the Uefa Cup and the European Super Cup last year.

But the former Manchester United man now cannot wait to experience Serie A football.

"I see this new project as another great challenge," he said. "I leave a great club but I arrive to another top club.

"I know the Serie A as I have watched it on TV and I am happy to be able to play having already competed in La Liga and the Premier League.

"I loved their (Inter's) project and their willingness to sign me."