New Atletico Madrid winger Gelson Martins has explained that Diego Simeone’s role was ‘crucial’ in his arrival from Sporting CP.
The 23-year-old joined Los Rojiblancos on a ‘free transfer’ last week although Sporting have since lodged an appeal with FIFA that they are entitled to a transfer fee.
“I'm very happy to be here, it's a very interesting project for me and I'm going to give everything for Atletico,” Martins told Cadena Cope.
“I have wanted to wear the Atletico shirt for a long time, I have always liked it, it's one of the best clubs in Spain and that's why I'm very happy here.
“Simeone was very important for my arrival, crucial in fact, I made my decision thanks to him and I have been convinced that I would like very much to work alongside Simeone.
“Atletico are a very strong team, there are great players here and I believe I will fit in due to my style of play, I like to see myself as humble and hardworking.
“The Wanda? It’s a very beautiful stadium, I hope that I can shine!”
