César Azpilicueta has been presented as an Atlético Madrid player at the Cívitas Metropolitano. The former Chelsea player becomes the fourth defender to join the club this week after Javi Galán, Caglar Söyüncü and Santiago Mouriño.
Atlético’s new signing, who will wear the No. 3 shirt at the club, spoke to media after completing his move.
What can you offer Atleti and what can Atleti offer you?
“I come to Atlético to help as much as possible, with my experience, and to achieve the objectives in place. When I have played in different positions I have taken it as a challenge and the option to keep improving. You can keep learning until the end of your career and at Atleti, with what it means, its connection with the fans and the coach, a consolidated group with young players coming in, we want to achieve the objectives.”
The length of your contract is short, why is that?
“I’m 33 years old, I didn’t expect a five-year contract. I am very proud of the titles [won in the past], but you have to prove yourself every day. Hopefully, I can play here for many years… that is the objective because it will mean that things are going well, but the length of the contract is not a vital aspect.”
Why did you choose Atleti?
“There have been a lot of rumours, something I was not used to. In this case, when I spoke to the coach, and to people at the club, I felt it was the best thing for me, that I could bring a lot to the group, to the club. Then there are the values of Atlético, and the fans… I wanted to experience it. I wanted to come and try to help. I think you can do very good things with sacrifice, with work. I have seen how the club has grown and I really wanted to come.”
What’s your view on João Félix?
“João is an Atlético player. I shared a dressing room with him for five months at Chelsea and we enjoyed a good few months, although the results were not what we wanted and now we are both here.”
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
