Heitinga joins Atletico Madrid

Ajax defender Johnny Heitinga has revealed that he will be joining Atletico Madrid next season after the Spanish giants activated a minimum fee release clause in the player's contract as they bid 10 million Euros for the international defender.

"I'm thrilled. This is a fantastic next step in my career and I will miss Ajax unbelievably," Heitinga told De Telegraaf.

"I have been here since I was seven years old. This is my second home.

"I hope and expect everyone will really support me in this choice."

Heitinga is regarded as one of Holland's best young defensive prospects and the 24 year old has spent 17 years at Ajax and felt it was time to make a move.