Although the Colombia international was sold for a profit, he scored only three goals for the Argentine's outfit in a spell that will be remembered as one of unfulfilled promise
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has said that he must shoulder the blame for Jackson Martinez’s disappointing form at the Vicente Calderon.
The Colombia international striker was signed in the summer of 2015 from Porto for €35 million but struggled to make an impression in Spain and made a shock move to Guangzhou Evergrande last week for a fee of €42m.
With the Liga side he found the net only three times in 22 outings – a stark contrast to the level he had previously displayed in Portugal.
“Without doubt when a player does not play well that I am responsible,” the coach told the media. “Jackson didn't have either the luck or the chances to give his best and I feel to blame.
“It is part of the game, and I will not change my tactics.
“His move was the best decision for both sides. We just hope Jackson can be the player we expect again.”
Meanwhile, the coach stated that he feels he has enough firepower in his ranks to continue to compete for major honours, despite the loss of the 29-year-old. His arsenal currently includes Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres, Luciano Vietto and Angel Correa.
- Goal