Leo Baptistao has reflected on his first few months of life at Atletico Madrid and on a reunion with Barcelona forward Neymar.
The Brazilian youngster transferred across Madrid this summer from Rayo Vallecano and debuted for Atleti in Sunday’s win at Sevilla.
With preparations for Wednesday’s Supercopa de Espana home leg against Barcelona now in mind, the striker reflected on how he is settling in.
“Everything is going very well, very quickly and I am very happy for the debut and for the team’s win and for the feelings that we had from the first game of the season,” Baptistao reflected to Mundo Deportivo.
“We will continue working to improve and we shall see how we do on Wednesday. I’m sure we will do well and will make it difficult for Barcelona.
“These first few months at Atletico have been incredible, the fans have welcomed me and treated me very well, my teammates, the coaching staff, they have all welcomed me and the truth is that I am delighted to be here.
“Simeone has asked of me that I work, provide ambition, that I attack but also defend, and nothing more.
“What has most surprised me about Atletico? The way they train, the professionalism, responsibility, the desire to work in every moment of the session…everything. The truth is that I was very surprised.”
The match against Barcelona will give Baptistao the chance to cross swords with Neymar once more, from their time playing against each other in Brazil at youth level.
“Yes, I came across him when we were very small, it is a long time since I have seen him and I wish him good luck, all the best.
“I am very happy for his career, for what he is achieving. I’m very happy for him.
“Who will do better in La Liga? I’m pretty sure he will. As the Coach said, this is a League of two, Madrid and Barcelona, as it has been for the past 20 years.
“We are going to fight to be among the top four, to enter into the Champions League and to continue to improve.
“Are Barca invincible? No. Nothing is impossible in this life and in football we have seen some amazing things.
“We will make sure it isn’t easy for Barca, let’s get on the field and make it intense and hard and try to win the game.”
