Everyone talks about it. At each transfer window, Thiago Almada is definitely flowing from ink. Last winter, his arrival at Olympique Lyonnais in the form of a free loan was not to the taste of several Ligue 1 clubs, which estimated that the Gones should not have welcomed Argentinian since they were prohibited from recruitment. A way to get around this prohibition which was poorly perceived. But the DNCG and the LFP have validated its signature and all the reserves deposited by Reims, PSG, LOSC and the others have not succeeded. Six months later, the case of the 2022 world champion made a lot of talk this summer. A time hoped for OL, then flirted by Benfica, he finally joined Atlético de Madrid.
Thiago Almada was well received
But then again, nothing was simple. Indeed, everyone wondered who would affect the money of this transfer, between OL and Botafogo. But it was Brazilians who sold the player for € 21 million at Atlético, who recovers 50% of Argentinian rights. The latter presented itself this Tuesday in front of the press, alongside President Enrique Cerezo who spoke first to send him a message. “We are continuing this exciting week for all of us, at the club and for our supporters. Today, our star is world champion with Argentina. We welcome Thiago Almada, a talented and versatile footballer. His arrival represents a great asset for our team. ”
He added: “You join a club where many of your compatriots have triumphed by defending this title with courage and enthusiasm. I'm sure you will help achieve this goal. We hope to see you triumph and win with us everything you have already won abroad. ” After the broadcast of a video of his first steps in Madrid, the midfielder spoke: “I would like to thank the president for his words. I spent a very pleasant first week, taking advantage of the supporting training and the supporters, which perfectly illustrates Atlético de Madrid. My teammates welcomed me in the best way, which reassures me. I will give everything and give everything to Atlético.»»
A dream of playing Atlético
He then explained his choice: “We all know that it is one of the biggest clubs (…) it was my dream to play here, and I managed to realize it. I have a lot of affection for the club, its story, I have a lot of friends who watched the matches, and when I had the opportunity to come, I did not hesitate for a second. Now I have to show everything (…) the fact that there are Argentines considerably strengthens unity. This is a very good thing, and it allows us to defend ourselves (…) There is a bond with the Argentines, Julián, Molina, the coach … We understand each other better on the field (…) The link with Julián and Giuli (Simeone) is much stronger … We spend time together. In the last games with the national team, we sympathized a lot with Julian Alvarez ”.
He continues: “Little by little, we get to know each other better, and we have to train more and continue to connect to give the best of ourselves together.” Thiago Almada, who recovers Thomas Lemar number 11, who is on the start, finally mentioned how he could help his new team. “The important thing is to play. My post is on the left, slightly winger. This is one of the biggest clubs, the supporters were there with us, they got to know each other, and we already feel what Atlético is. Ángel (Correa) told me about people, the club, the city… ” A city where he will continue his career, which has already experienced many twists and turns.
