New Atletico Madrid signing Santiago Arias says he has been told it is like going to war playing under Diego Simeone.
The Colombian has joined Los Rojiblancos from PSV Eindhoven for the next five seasons as a direct replacement for right-back Sime Vrsaljko, who has switched to Serie A giants Inter.
The 26-year-old, who won three Eredivisie titles with PSV, told Atleti’s official website how happy he was to be in the Spanish capital following his €11m move.
“I feel proud to be here at this institution, which has always showed it is a team that wants great things, so now I’m happy to belong to Atletico Madrid,” he declared.
“My countryman Radamel Falcao and others who have passed through here have told me that this club has great support, that the fans always get behind the team in the good times and the bad, and that is fantastic for a footballer.
“It’s great to come to a club where other Colombians have made their mark. It’s not easy and there is a lot of competition, but I like that. I want to come here and leave my own mark.
“I’ve been told that here it is like a war and that you must fight right until the end. I know the qualities of this team, how they play, and also the Coach, and I like that too.
“This is a big club where I can learn a lot of things, both from the Coach and the players.”
Arias also commented on Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium before sending a message to the supporters.
“I’ve seen the ground on television and it’s a great stadium, beautiful, and it will be a great experience for me to play there.
“I want to tell all the Rojiblancos, who are always with us, that the players are going to give everything for the team and, as for myself, I’m come here to have a great season and show why they have signed me,” he concluded.
