Garcia: I couldn't resist Atletico

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Garcia, who spent the 2002-2003 season at the Vicente Calderon, signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee with the Primera Liga side - and, while conceding it was hard to leave Anfield, the Spain international revealed he could not turn down a move home.

He said: "I could have stayed or I could return to Spain. I have made a decision which I believe is the right one. I simply couldn't reject the offer when given the opportunity to return to Atletico."

He added: ""It was a personal decision. Liverpool are one of the best clubs in the world. I spent three great years at Liverpool but it was time to consider my future.

"Liverpool has been very important in my career and I will never forget my time there. Their fans are amazing, they supported me since my arrival, in good and bad times.

"I tried to do the best I could to repay their trust but nothing I can do can ever repay their unconditional support."

The 29-year-old is one of five acquisitions made by Atletico this summer along with Diego Forlan, Christian Abbiati, Raul Garcia and Cleber Santana.

An he believes the capital outfit, who finished seventh in the 2006-07 season, will be a force to be reckoned with next term.

"I aim for titles next season," he said. "We have a great team and I think if the team continues to work in the same manner as they did last season, I see no reason why we cannot take the club to the position where it belongs."