Diego Simeone one of the best in the world – Ivan Saponjic

New Atletico Madrid striker Ivan Saponjic has spoken of his excitement at working with ‘one of the best in the world’ Diego Simeone.

The Serbian Under-21 international is the second player to join Los Rojiblancos from Benfica this summer following their club record signing of Joao Felix in a €126m deal.

There has been no confirmation of a fee, however the highly-rated Saponjic is thought to have cost Simeone's side in the region of €8m, despite not making a first team appearance for Benfica.

“My first impression of Simeone is fantastic, he is one of the best Coachs in the world and the entire coaching team and staff have received me very well,” the striker said, as cited by Marca.

“I have come here to fight, to work and to show my qualities, and at the end of the pre-season we will sit down, talk and see what happens.

“I do not like to talk much about myself, but my best quality is the aerial game, which is what I think I do best.

“This move is a dream for me and I am going to do all I can to help this team to achieve its maximum.”

Saponjic came to Atletico's attention during the 2019 Under-21 European Championship, where he partnered new Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic in the Serbian attack.

The arrival of Saponjic, is expected to signal the end for Croatian international Nikola Kalinic at the Wanda Metropolitano, as Simeone looks to freshen up his attacking options for the 2019-20 season.

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