Atalanta pay tribute as Josip Ilicic released from contract | OneFootball

Atalanta have announced the release from his contract of Josip Ilicic.

Now 34, Ilicic has struggled to play for the last two years due to a combination of injuries and mental health problems.

Atalanta announced on Wednesday: “Atalanta B.C. announce that the contract between the club and the player Josip Iličić has been terminated by mutual agreement.

“He has enchanted Bergamo with his plays, his inventions and his pure class since 2017. He made us dream with his magic on the pitch and moved us with his sensitivity and humanity off it.

“His four goals at Valencia will forever remain a portrait of the champion Iličić, while the noble gesture of donating the ball of that magical evening to Bergamo's Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital is a portrait of the man Josip.

“There would be goals and assists to list, but what these five seasons together have meant goes far beyond numbers.

“Now we part ways, but the memories and emotions will remain forever.

“Good luck, Professor and thanks for everything!"