Diogo Jota is “not afraid” of the challenge at Atletico Madrid as Rafael Santos Borre vows “if I have to sweat drops of blood then I will”.
Jota and Santos Borre were presented as Atleti’s latest signings on Thursday, despite deals for the starlets being struck months in advance, the former an attacking midfielder and Portugal Under-21 international, while the Colombian striker was loaned back to Deportivo Cali last season.
“I want to thank the President and Atletico [for signing me]. I’m very proud to be here and hope to be useful,” Jota began.
“[Training] has been very different, with great intensity. I expected it and hope that my physical condition continues to hold out.
“I’m not afraid or [thinking about] a loan or [of] anything, I’ll just do the best I can in preseason and then we’ll see.
“[Tiago Mendes] has been a big help in my first training sessions. The advice he gave me was to listen.”
Santos Borre added: “It feels like home, it’s like a family here and I’ll do my best. If I have to sweat drops of blood then I will.
“I’m a little different to the type of striker Atleti already have as I like to play [with the ball] more.
“Atletico have some top-drawer forwards in that sense, but I can bring new things to the table.
“I could learn from both [Kevin Gameiro and Diego Costa]. I haven’t spoken with the Coach, in that sense he’s very quiet.
“I’m already working to give my best, and I want to stay at a winning club like Atletico.
“I’m only thinking about effort, working hard, contributing, learning from my teammates and winning a place in the squad.
“I have teammates of an elite level, and I have the opportunity of learning from them. Together we can achieve victories and trophies.
“[Training] is different and more demanding.”
