Hours before Alejandro Grimaldo appeared in the school press room Baylor of ChattanoogaAtlético de Madrid made his signing official. A situation that caused the appearance to be more focused on his new club than on the national team.
Option to play as a winger. “I know the position well. I have scored 14 goals and given 13 assists this season. The coach knows it and I know what I have to do in that position.”
Return to LaLiga. “I have been very happy in Germany. Thanks to Bayer Leverkusen for everything they have done for me. I am very happy to be at Atlético de Madrid.”
Desire to return to Spain. “My goal was to return to Spain. My agent knew where I wanted to go. My first wish was to go to Atlético and, luckily, I achieved it.”
New Atlético player. “I have spoken with Cholo. He congratulated me on joining the squad and wished me luck in the World Cup, which is the most important thing right now.”
Do you think Julián’s departure would be a significant loss? “He is a great player, but I don’t enter into that debate because I don’t know what’s going on with him and with the club.”
Atlético and Julián’s future. “Atlético is one of the greats in Spain. I don’t know Julián, but it is his decision and that of the club. I don’t go there.”
Cucurella to Madrid and he to Atlético. “We have not talked about clubs. We are going to be rivals, but our relationship is not going to change. We know how to differentiate the person from the player. I love him a lot, I have a lot of respect for him and I consider him a friend.”
Germany and Netherlands outside. “In a World Cup every game is complicated, we already saw it against Cape Verde. What happened yesterday puts us all on alert.”
Other options to play in LaLiga. “My objective was clear. I only wanted that option and I was focused on the World Cup. It is a very happy day for me and my family.”
Play by band. “There are many wingers of a very high level. They all have a high level. I can help as a winger and as a winger.”
Penalties. “Yes, we have prepared it. Today and tomorrow. We have to be prepared for everything.”
Not having played in the World Cup. “Yes, it is difficult not to play. I am coming off a very good year, I am in incredible shape and I would like to play. It is difficult not to help on the field, but I try to do so off the field and I prepare for when my time comes.”
Baena’s influence on his signing. “He is very happy about my arrival there. I think that with Baena we can connect a lot in the band, we have a special relationship. I don’t think he had any influence on this decision.”
