CHENNAI: Lionel Messi might depart from La Liga but another Argentinian Rodrigo De Paul has joined the Spanish league after signing on the dotted lines for Atletico Madrid. The defending champions splurged €35 million to rope in the midfielder on a five-year deal from Italian club Udinese.
The 27-year-old De Paul, who helped Argentina win the Copa America title after 28 years, said he is ready for the challenge as Diego Simeone’s boys prepare to face Celta Vigo on Sunday.
“Atletico might be a massive club but the people and officials make me feel like I am part of their family. It was one of my dreams to play for them. Now I am here and have fulfilled it and I want to make history at this beautiful club. The group has welcomed me with open arms, I am really happy and trying to adapt and get used to the team,” De Paul said in quotes shared by La Liga exclusively with TOI.
De Paul will add further depth to a midfield already featuring the likes of Koke, Saul Niguez, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Hector Herrera. He said he relishes working with coach Simeone. “To be coached by one of the world’s best managers is incredible.
His career and achievements speak volumes and will never be forgotten. I will learn so much from him and this motivates me a lot. We understand and feel football in a very similar way. I am convinced that internal competition will make all of us better. I am here to compete and help the team,” he said.
About winning the Copa America title, De Paul said: “Our country had not won the Copa America in 28 years. I want to keep feeling the same things with Atletico as I felt when I won that trophy.”
