Team Ineos has decided to acquire Andrei Amador, whose departure from Movistar was announced on Tuesday. Amador, a native of Costa Rica, had been rumored to be on the move to Ineos since last summer, but the move was complicated by a pre-contract Amador signed with Movistar.

Movistar coach Eusebio Unzué demanded that Amador pay a fee to terminate his contract with the Spanish team, and the matter was referred to the UCI's Abritoral Commission in December.

Amador was reportedly seen training in Catalunya on December 31 wearing the Ineos team kit, but remained out of the race until the dispute with Movistar was resolved.

Amador, now 31, followed Giro d'Italia winner Richard Carapas to Ineos from Movistar. He signed a three-year contract with the British team.

"Who wouldn't be excited to sign with Team Ineos? I have spent my entire sporting career with Movistar and owe them a lot. This is a new challenge and I will give everything I have for this team."

"We all agree that this team has a strong unit. I am excited to be part of this group and to work with Richard Kalapas. I'm happy to continue to ride with them as I did with Movistar at the Giro d'Italia."

Both Calapaz and Amador are represented by Giuseppe Accadoro, and Unzier has since refused to work with an Italian agent. Movistar's Imanol Erviti and Sergi Samitier had to find new agents before signing with the team.

Amador has spent his professional career with Movistar (formerly Caisse d'Epargne) after stepping up to the top level in 2010. His greatest success came at the Giro d'Italia, where he finished fourth overall in 2015 and eighth overall in 2016. He also won a stage at the Corsa Rosa in Cervinia in 2012 and played a key role in leading Calapaz to overall victory last year.

Amador's Ineos debut and 2020 race program have yet to be announced, but the Costa Rican may play a supporting role as Calapaz looks to defend his Giro d'Italia title in May.

"My goal is to contribute as much as I can in every race. Team Ineos is the perfect place to do that," Amador said.

Team Ineos manager Dave Brailsford welcomed Amador to the team, saying: "I can't tell you how many times I have been impressed with Andrei's performance. His consistent commitment to team goals, his ability to race over a wide range of terrain, and his bright personality are exactly what we look for in a Team Ineos athlete."