De Paul: I know Atletico Madrid very well
The Argentinian midfielder signed a five-year contract with the Rojiblancos on Monday.
was among Argentina’s most effective players at Copa America 2021 as they won their first major trophy in 28 years. The versatile midfielder, who featured in six games for the Albiceleste in their Copa America campaign, provided an assist for Angel Di Maria’s match-winner in the final against Brazil. Quickly after the tournament, De Paul
completed his transfer to Atletico Madridahead of the next season.
“I’m very happy, I will play for the team that won La Liga last year and I know the responsibility that entails,”
the Argentine told the club’s official
website.
“It’s a big step in my football career, even for the moment it arrived, after winning the Copa America.
“I will try to meet all expectations. I’m a football fan and I know Atletico very well, also because I played in Spain.
“Not to mention all the friends and teammates who play here.”
Having spent five years at Serie A side
Udinese, De Paul joins the Rojiblancos on a five-year deal. The 27-year-old mentioned his friendship with
Angel Correa, who has been playing for Diego Simeone’s side since 2015.
“Correa is a great support for me. He spoke very highly to me of Atletico, of the whole club,”
he said.
“I’m proud to have arrived at a club with such a huge fan base.
“When the rumours started to spread about my arrival at Atletico, the comments and messages of affection that the fans sent me were countless.
“This makes me feel part of the Rojiblanco family and I’m sure it will make it easier to adapt.”
The arrival of De Paul will give Simeone more options in the midfield. The Argentinian midfielder is expected to compete with Koke and Marcos Llorente to secure a starting place in the squad. Saul Niguez, who slipped down the pecking order last season, has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks. Liverpool are reportedly interested in making a bid for the 26-year-old ahead of the next season.
De Paul added:
“I’m very happy to be able to work under Simeone’s orders,” he added. “First of all, because he is one of the best.
“I love football and I live it every day, so being guided by a coach of Simeone’s caliber is something that gives me pride, even as a compatriot.
“I’m happy to be under his orders, because as a child I saw him playing with the Argentine national team.”
Atletico Madrid will have to defend their hard-earned La Liga title next season. The Rojiblancos will start their 2021-22 campaign with a match against Celta Vigo on August 15.
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