Former Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Paulista has completed a free transfer to Atletico Madrid, ending his time with Valencia CF.

Valencia's Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista (R) argues with Arsenal's players during the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg football match between Valencia CF and Arsenal FC at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on May 9, 2019. (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Valencia’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista (R) argues with Arsenal’s players during the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg football match between Valencia CF and Arsenal FC at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on May 9, 2019. (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has joined Atletico Madrid, marking the end of his tenure with Valencia CF. Despite being one of their captains, Gabriel found himself at the mercy of the club’s owner, Peter Lim.

Lim’s decision from Singapore to exclude Gabriel from the squad after 19 appearances prevented him from reaching the 20-game threshold needed for an automatic contract renewal.

The move to Atletico Madrid comes after a swift negotiation by Andrea Berta, even as Valencia showed a preference for transferring Gabriel to Besiktas. Gabriel, who landed in Madrid early Tuesday, completed his medical and formalised a six-month contract with Diego Simeone’s team for the remainder of the season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: (L-R) Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista of Arsenal celebrate with the FA Community Shield after victory in the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: (L-R) Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista of Arsenal celebrate with the FA Community Shield after victory in the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Now 33 years old, Gabriel’s career took a significant turn when he joined Arsenal from Villarreal in 2015 for €15 million. During his stint in London, he made 64 appearances, scoring once and providing an assist.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

His performances with Arsenal led to a transfer to Valencia in 2017 for €11 million, where he found a more suitable home, making 220 appearances, scoring eight goals and assisting five.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news