BUENOS AIRES, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Colombia international midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero arrived in Argentina on Wednesday to complete his move to Racing Club on a free transfer.
Quintero said he was eager to make his debut for the Buenos Aires outfit after an injury-ravaged spell with Junior Barranquilla.
"I am very happy. I had the opportunity to speak with the manager [Fernando Gago] and he convinced me to be a part of the project. The truth is that I'm very motivated for what's to come," Quintero told journalists upon his arrival at the Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires.
Quintero parted ways with Junior Barranquilla in July after just seven games in six months with the Colombian side.
The 30-year-old, who has 32 Colombia caps, has reportedly agreed to personal terms of a deal that runs until December 2025.
He admitted the decision to join Racing was difficult given his strong emotional ties with their local rivers River Plate. Quintero became an instant hero among River fans with an extra-time goal in the club's 2018 Copa Libertadores triumph against Boca Juniors.
"To River, I just want to wish them the best but now I'm in another stage of my life," he said.
"It was very difficult to make the decision because we all know what I experienced there. The truth is that it was a very nice period of my life, but now I'm enjoying another one."
In addition to two separate spells with River Plate, Quintero's career has included stints with Atletico Nacional, Porto and Shenzhen, among other clubs.
The second stage of Argentina's 2023 Primera Division season is due to begin on August 20 with Racing scheduled to visit Union Santa Fe on the opening weekend.
"I want to play as soon as possible," Quintero said when asked if he will be ready for the first game of the new campaign. ■
