Juanfran Torres has admitted that he turned down an offer in the summer from Arsenal to commit his future to Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old, who has just signed a new deal with Los Colchoneros, was reported as having had contact from the Premier League side during the last transfer window.
“I am grateful for Atletico and Diego Simeone’s confidence. I’m very happy with the renewal,” Juanfran told reporters this week.
“I wanted to continue and it is true that I had an offer from Arsenal, one that any player would have liked to have accepted.
“I’m very comfortable here. For me, you know, there is nowhere better than Atleti. I’m at the best club I could be at.”
Juanfran was asked of Vicente del Bosque’s decision in the last Spain squad to call up then-uncapped Nacho Fernandez as a late replacement, over himself.
“Clearly I would have liked to have gone. For me to join up with the national team is the biggest thing. I have won a title with my country.
“After that [the 2012 European Championships], I would have liked to have been in every squad. I’ll say the same thing I always do, for me Del Bosque deserves much credit for everything he does.
“I will always be grateful to him, even if he doesn’t pick me again. Hopefully I can return. My greatest ambition is to have a great season and to go to the World Cup.
“All of his decisions are what have led us to win championships.”
The converted full-back is preparing for Wednesday’s Champions League group stage opening match at home to Zenit St Petersburg.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm and ambition. Atleti is a team that been for a few years without Champions League football and equally it will be enjoyed by our fans.
“We have a team and the support to get as close as we can to the top level in the Champions League. We are not favourites in the competition.
“We are clear. We are up against the very best from all the Leagues. We are going into this with humility and work.
“If we think anything else then it would be a mistake for us and our fans. But I think that we will have a great competition.”
