Saul Niguez says “it’s a dream” to extend his contract with Atletico Madrid until 2021 and is ready for the Champions League final.
Saul ended all speculation about his future on Wednesday as he renewed his Atleti deal for an extra year, and the young midfielder – who is also in Spain’s provisional Euro 2016 squad – is elated at having committed his future to Los Colchoneros.
“This is the team where I grew up, and it’s the best place for me to continue growing,” he told Radio Marca.
“I like to win and now I’m winning with Atleti. I’m very happy to continue fighting for this shirt. It’s a dream to stay here.
“We know that [Real] Madrid are a tough team, and it’ll be very difficult, but we have to give everything and not expect anything.
“I’m only thinking about winning. We must be a team and only think about ourselves. Few teams have our companionship.
“If Real Madrid are superior to us then they’ll have to prove it on the pitch.
“The final isn’t a rematch of Lisbon, it’s an opportunity to make history and we’re looking forward to the match and winning it.
“[Antoine Griezmann] can make a difference like [the ‘BBC’], but he has something that no other player else has, he only thinks about the team. His sacrifice is what makes him different.
“[Jan Oblak] has proven to be the best [goalkeeper] in the League.
“I’m not surprised by [Fernando Torres’] level. He’s been outstanding and done what he could and more.
“I’ve worked hard for many years to be at this level, but I never thought I’d get to where I am now and in the Champions League final.
“The confidence I have in him and [confidence] he has in me are what have made me grow.
“I’m very happy to be in the provisional squad [for Euro 2016] and hopefully I can be in the final one.
“I must keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard.”
