Defender Cristian Ansaldi says he is looking to make his stay with Atletico Madrid a permanent one.
The Argentine international arrived at the Vicente Calderon on loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg before the start of the season and admits is relishing the opportunity of playing in La Liga.
“I needed a change. I spoke to the Coach at Zenit and he told me he was going to give priority in my position to somebody else, although he was still counting on me but not as much,” said the 27-year-old in an interview with Marca.
“I understood and told him that as Atletico were interested I would rather go there and fight for a place knowing I was going to a great team.
“My idea is not to return to Russia and if it’s possible I want to stay here because I already feel at home. I’m enjoying the climate, the country, the language…they are small things but very important.”
Ansaldi spent five years in Russia after previously being with Rubin Kazan and feels he has missed the passion that Spanish football can offer.
“I lost the adrenaline over the years in Russia, the tingling you feel every time you go on the pitch, and now I’m looking to get it back.
“I didn’t speak the language all that well but I was comfortable. Still, my family and I needed a change,” he confessed.
