BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 14 -- Departing River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios bid farewell to the Buenos Aires club's fans on Saturday as he embarked on a new chapter in his career with Germany's Bayer Leverkusen.

"I thank the fans for the love they have given to me and I hope to one day come back home," the Argentina international said in an emotional interview broadcast on local television.

According to local media reports, River Plate will receive 24 million US dollars for the transaction and 10 percent of any future transfer fee.

Both River and Bayer Leverkusen had yet to confirm details of the move on Saturday evening.

The 21-year-old's comments came less than a day after River Plate secured their third Copa Argentina title with a 3-0 victory over Central Cordoba in the final.

"It was a very important game and I wanted to go out on a high," said Palacios, who has been capped four times for Argentina's national team.

"Luckily I was able to do that. River has been my home since I was seven. I grew up here. I'm getting a little emotional because I'm going to miss this place," he added while fighting back tears.

Palacios is not expected to make his debut for Leverkusen until the Bundesliga resumes from its winter break in mid-January.

【体坛英语资讯：Palacios bids farewell to River Plate ahead of Bayer Leverkusen move】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Llodra beats Soderling to win Rotterdam tennis title

★ 体坛英语资讯：Celtics wrap up best record

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Mariah Carey wants a wedding every year

★ 体坛英语资讯：CFA Chief: China willing to host 2018 World Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：Celtics and Lakers square off in leagues top rivalry

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Gwyneth Paltrow not ready to have more children

★ 体坛英语资讯：Visiting Shanghai Sharks lose NBA pre-season game against Houston Rockets 94-131

★ 体坛英语资讯：Adriano may sit out Sundays game

★ 体坛英语资讯：Wariner beaten by Australian Batman

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese paddlers start as favorites at mens World Cup