Atletico Madrid captain Gabi is not worried that the club has lost a number of players this summer, including Diego Costa and Filipe Luis.
David Villa has also departed the champions while Thibaut Courtois’ loan from Chelsea hasn’t been extended and the goalkeeper now counts Costa and Filipe among his teammates at Stamford Bridge.
But Gabi has told a Press conference that what matters is that the squad that remains wants to be at Vicente Calderon and he is confident that’s the case.
“It’s true that a lot of player have left but it’s important that the ones who wanted to stay have stayed,” AS reports the midfielder as saying.
“The club has made an effort for those players to stay and the ones who have left have gone with the thanks of the club.
“Last year was magical for everyone but we need people committed to the club and that’s what matters.
“There’s no disappointment. There are only three teams better than Atletico: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. You can improve economically, which is acceptable, but not athletically.”
Atletico have made a number of signings, including striker Mario Mandzukic and goalkeeper Jan Oblak, and Gabi welcomed the arrivals.
“The news players are experienced. Mandzukic comes from a big team and it will be easy to adjust,” Gabi continued.
“The sooner more reinforcements arrive, the better, but the club is working well and will have a great team. Any level player that comes to add to the team will be welcome.”
Gabi also insisted that it’s unlikely any more of the title-winning squad will be on the move, particularly after the club rewarded performances with new contracts.
“I’ve spoken with [Juanfran, Koke and Diego Godin] and they are happy here and have received great deals,” he said.
“I’m proud to have these players on my side because I have a sense of the group and I want to do important things here.”
