Football
ESPN staff 8y

New boy Nicolas Gaitan wanted Atletico Madrid move 12 months ago

Argentine international midfielder Nicolas Gaitan admitted he wanted a move to Atletico Madrid from Benfica 12 months ago, but a deal could not be reached.

Gaitan, 28, finally sealed a €25 million move to ply his trade in the La Liga for Atletico after spending six years in Portugal where he scored 41 goals in 252 matches.

The former Manchester United target was upfront about his adulation for the club, and the opportunity to work with compatriot Diego Simeone, admitting that he already harboured intentions of playing at the Vicente Calderon a year back.

"Because there was no agreement between the clubs," he said. "I can make a decision, but if they do not reach an agreement then a deal does not depend on me."

Coming from the Portuguese league where the pace of the game is slower, Gaitan is aware of Simeone's demands on his players to put in the extra yard on the pitch, and is prepared to give his all to the club.

"I know that it will demand a lot physically," he added. "It is a schooling I had already in Argentina, which demands a lot physically.

"I am coming from Portugal where we are not used to the physical [side of the game], we worked more with the ball.

"I do not know what I will find, but I hope to adapt quickly. I will adapt to what the coach asks me and I hope to live up to [his expectations]."

Gaitan will have the chance to make his long awaited La Liga debut on Aug. 22 when Atletico play hosts to newly promoted Alaves.

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