Garcia on 300th Atleti appearance

Raul Garcia has spoken of his pride at making his 300th Atletico Madrid appearance against Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Sunday.

The former Osasuna midfielder arrived at the Vicente Calderon in 2007 and the last two seasons have been especially fruitful for the 28-year-old under Diego Simeone's tutelage.

"I'm very proud. I've known Adelardo for a long time and he gave me good advice, so to have the same figures as him [66 European appearances] is amazing. You look back and it gives you vertigo," he revealed to AS.

"I never think of the future, as I try to work every day. For me, to reach 300 appearances for Atleti is a very important milestone. That's a sign that you're doing well, but I don't want to stay [at 300].

"[The fans' affection] is always important for any player. When you give everything for the shirt you wear, you like hearing the gratitude from the stands, but a fan is free to think what they like. Still, it's much nicer when they show you affection.

"Another 300 appearances [would be nice]. I have to prolong this streak, continue improving and keep adding games, goals and titles to my name.

"In the end what matters is that you can always offer something to the team and the Coach can count on you, regardless of what position you play, but I'm happy with my role in the team.

"I like to score goals. I don't consider some goals more important than others, and that's why I always celebrate [my goals] with passion."

Garcia then revealed a surprising highlight of his Atleti career, before stressing that tomorrow’s visit of the Galicians and the team ethic bore more significance than his milestone.

"Everything in particular [has been a highlight]. The bad times are also good, as they serve as learning curves. That's where you mature and become a better person. I stand with everyone," he added

"I've always said that for me the semi-final against Liverpool [in the 2009-10 Europa League] was very special. I was happy for the team's progression, the work of the entire team and, in particular, the performance we gave.

"Both the Coach and I haven't given much importance to this statistic. Yes it's true that I'll stand to look at it when I retire and I'm glad to have got it, but there is further work needed to win Sunday's game.

"There's not just competition with Antoine [Griezmann]. He's a great player, but so are Raul Jimenez and Cerci. We have to fight to play and wait for our chance if we're not in the team.

"The important thing is that the whole squad benefit from every moment. When you get the chance to play, you must seize it."

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La Liga - Club News