Atletico Madrid announced on Tuesday that they have completed their first signing of the summer, signing 22-year-old Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta on a five-year contract.

Matteo Ruggeri came from Atlanta's youth training and made his debut for the first team in the Champions League on November 3, 2020. He was then loaned to Salernitana for a season, and after his return, he gradually established his core position in Atlanta.

To date, Ruggeri has made 109 appearances for Atlanta, scored 2 goals and provided 10 assists, and won the 2023/24 Europa League with the team.

According to multiple Italian media reports, Ruggeri's transfer fee is 17 million euros plus 3 million floating fee.

After the transfer was confirmed, Ruggeri said goodbye to Atalanta and its fans through social media. He wrote: "It is not easy to summarize the 14 years I have worn the jersey of my hometown team in a few words. Even the most beautiful words cannot explain the meaning of Atalanta to me - a native of Bergamo, an Atalanta fan, and a teenager who grew up from the youth training camp.

“When I was a carefree, football-loving kid, I stepped into the Atalanta training ground with the big dream of playing for my city and my fans at home. 14 years later, my dream has finally come true. What’s even more incredible is that I helped Atalanta bring the first major trophy in the team’s history back to Bergamo. Looking back, it is indeed an unforgettable journey.”

"Thank you to everyone who made this possible: Atalanta, the Percasi family, all the staff at the training base, coach Gasperini who always believed in me, and all my teammates who fought side by side. I wish you all the best in the future."

"Finally, I would like to dedicate this emotional message to all the fans of Bergamo. You have laughed with me, cried with me, fought for the Nerazzurri. You will always be in my heart. The motto that means so much to us: 'Always fight with every drop of sweat' will always be the rule in my life."

"Goodbye, Bergamo, goodbye, Atalanta."