The 39-year-old forward's contract was set to run until December but the two parties agreed to terminate the deal early, with the club announcing the separation on Friday. Atlético have already planned a farewell event at Arena MRV on 10 May, before the home fixture against Botafogo in the Brasileirão.
In 311 appearances since joining in January 2021, Hulk scored 140 goals and contributed 56 assists — making him the highest scorer at the club in the 21st century. He won the Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil in his first season, added the Supercopa do Brasil in 2022, and claimed five consecutive Campeonato Mineiro titles between 2021 and 2025.
The timing of the exit had been signalled in the weeks prior. Hulk was left out of the squad for Atlético's 4-0 defeat to Flamengo having reached 12 league appearances this season — one short of the threshold under Brasileirão regulations that would have blocked an intra-league transfer. The deliberate omission was a clear indication that a move was already in motion.
Fluminense are understood to be in advanced talks to sign him on a free transfer.
In a farewell statement published by the club, Hulk expressed gratitude for the connection he had built with supporters.
"I am taking with me much more than titles. I am taking a connection that changed my life. Galo and the Massa Atleticana made me feel at home from the very first day and I will be eternally grateful to this club that I learned to love. I hope to see all of you at the Arena so we can say goodbye together, the way this beautiful story deserves: with emotion, gratitude and a big celebration."
He added that his children, who play in the club's youth academy, will remain in Belo Horizonte, and that he has kept his private box at the stadium.
Hulk earned 11 caps for Brazil during his international career, scoring once. He previously played for Porto, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Shanghai SIPG before joining Atlético.