Madrid, Jul 4 (IANS): Atletico Madrid's long-serving captain Gabi has confirmed his departure to Qatari football club Al Sadd, bringing an end to his stint with the Spanish football club which he joined as a kid.

The 34-year-old defensive midfielder represented Atletico 417 times, becoming the seventh player with the most matches in the club's history.

Atletico said in their website: "Our number '14' has left a legacy we will never forget. As our player, he won six titles: one LaLiga, two Europa Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup. Of these six titles, he lifted five of them as the team's captain.

"This is a difficult and emotional day for me," Gabi said on Tuesday at a press conference, according to Atletico's website. "It's been the hardest moment of my career. This club is a lifestyle for me.

"I'd like to thank the fans for their non-stop continuous support. I'm leaving, but I'll be back soon to keep on helping," Gabi said.

Between 2007 to 2011, Gabi switched to Real Zaragoza before moving back to Atletico Madrid.