The Argentina right-back was first to break the news himself, posting a video on social media in which he thanked team-mates and supporters after four years in the Spanish capital, before Atletico Madrid and AS Roma each issued their own confirmation of the deal, reported at €13 million plus up to €4 million in add-ons.
"Today, after four years, it's time for me to say goodbye to this great club. I'm grateful to have been part of this beautiful family," Molina said, reflecting on a spell in which he became a regular fixture under Diego Simeone.
"I want to thank all my team-mates and the coaching staff for helping me grow throughout these years, and everyone behind the scenes who supported me every day, and finally all the Atlético fans, who are the heart of this club."
Molina joined Atlético from Udinese in 2022 for around €20 million and leaves having made 181 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 17 assists, according to the figures released in the club's own farewell statement. His time in Madrid also brought major international honours with Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2024 Copa América, success that Atlético's statement was quick to highlight alongside his club contribution.
He now moves to Serie A, where he previously spent two seasons with Udinese, taking the number 20 shirt at Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini.
At 28, the move represents a fresh opportunity after growing competition for his place at the Wanda Metropolitano, with Atlético using the funds raised to reinvest elsewhere in the squad, having already been strongly linked with additional central defensive reinforcements this summer.
Roma's directors see Molina's Serie A experience and continued involvement with Argentina's national side as valuable additions to a squad building toward a fresh campaign under Gasperini, who has been keen to add proven right-back depth since taking over at the club.
The transfer closes a chapter that delivered plenty of silverware with Argentina but no major club trophies during Molina's four years in Madrid, despite regularly featuring in a side that competed deep into Champions League and Europa League knockout rounds.
Whether Roma can offer a more successful environment remains to be seen, but personal terms were settled quickly once the fee was agreed, and the Argentine is expected to link up with his new team-mates within days.