Real Sociedad forward Gonzalo Castro is relishing the prospect of replacing Antoine Griezmann at Anoeta.
Griezmann left La Real for Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer but rather than be daunted by the prospect of a season without the France international – or Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who joined Barcelona – Castro says he is motivated by the challenge.
“La Real are lucky to have had for years one of the best wingers in the League in Antoine,” Castro told Mundo Deportivo.
“I was fighting for the position but I knew I had to compete with a great rival. It’s true you’re not happy when you’re not getting minutes but I’m grateful for having been forced to fight the best for a place.
“This year I have no great rival like Antoine but I don’t know if I’ll have many or few opportunities, but I’ll have the advantage. Of course it’s motivation for me.
“Hopefully I get my chance. It’s essential I go out and have good games and help get results.”
La Real have in recent seasons sold Asier Illarramendi as well as Griezmann and Bravo but Castro insisted the team remained as ambitious as ever.
“Our dream is the same,” he continued.
“We have to ask ourselves about our objectives. Every year a new player leaves. The secret of our success is the group.”
