Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid



By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid.

The 31-year-old Spaniard, who has featured 12 times in the Champions League during an impressive career, has put pen to paper on an initial two-year contract at St. James' Park and becomes the Magpies' fourth summer arrival.

Gamez began his playing days at Malaga and went on to make 256 appearances during nine seasons in the first team at his local club.

The versatile full-back spent three years as Malaga's captain before departing for Atletico Madrid in August 2014, where he helped them reach the final of last season's Champions League.

"I am really looking forward to starting the next part of my career at Newcastle," said Gamez, who is expected to travel to Ireland with his new teammates on Saturday for their pre-season training camp.

"It was the right time to leave Atletico Madrid and this is the right move for me.

"We have an exciting project here, to bring Newcastle back to where it belongs, in the Premier League, and I am very happy to be a part of that."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "I am really pleased to bring Jesus here to Newcastle.

"He is a very good defender who can play on both sides, left and right.

"He is experienced, I know he has great character and, importantly, he is an excellent professional. I am sure he will give balance to the team."