Vitolo: Ready to win with Atleti

Vitolo insists he is ready to help Atletico Madrid win trophies this season as “my injury problems are behind me.”

Vitolo joined Atleti from Sevilla last summer for a €36m fee, but Los Colchoneros’ ban on registering new players meant the winger spent the first half of the season on at Las Palmas, where he was plagued by fitness issues.

“I want to thank the President and [CEO] Miguel Angel Gil for their insistence on bringing me here,” he began at his official unveiling on Sunday.

“I feel proud to be part of such a great club, one of the best in Europe, who have grown a lot, and I hope to repay their confidence on the pitch.

“That’s the most important thing for me, as well as helping Atletico Madrid become even better.

“I dedicate this presentation to my family, who have been there when things have gone wrong, so I thank them very much.

“Fitness and competition? My injury problems are behind me. I’ve been working with the physios for the past month and I’m feeling much more at ease.

“Competition is good for everyone. Atletico are built on competition, and I’ve come here to add something to the team. I hope I can help.

“Starter? My personal challenge is always to try to play and help the team, and there are some top players here.

“The Coach is the one who will decide [whether I start] because he knows best. I only come here to do my bit, and I’m very excited about this new stage of my career.

“Champions League elimination? We were all very excited about continuing in the Champions League, given we’ve reached the Final twice, but we’re still alive in three competitions and that’s football.

“Hopefully we’ll be there again next season, and hopefully we can win a trophy this season. Expectations? Atletico have fought with the best teams and that’s why I’ve come here.

“They’ve won Leagues, fought for the Champions League and they’ve grown a lot. I come ere with the intention of helping out, playing and winning trophies.

“Simeone? I’ve talked to him, he told me what he wanted from me and I’ve come here in part because of the Coach. He’s someone that I’ve been following for years, and I think I’ve adapted very well to what he’s asked of me.

“I’m excited and motivated, and hopefully I can repay his faith. Las Palmas? It was complicated there. It wasn’t the start that I wanted.

“It was difficult, with several injuries, but I wish them all the best, and wherever I am, I’ll continue to be a Las Palmas fan.

“Hopefully we’ll meet again in the future and that they get out of the relegation zone. Atleti fans? I hope they love me a lot, but I’ll have to win their affection on the pitch.

“In the years that I went to the Calderon, I found them to be a very passionate bunch of fans, who are very close to their team.

“Lots of matches are won by the fans, and I’m looking forward to playing for them. My personal challenge has always been to play and help the team.

“It’s true that we have players of high quality, and ultimately it’ll be the Coach that decides. I only come here to contribute to the team, and I’m excited about this new stage.”

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