Filipe Luis: "I'll be an Atlético for the rest of my life"

After the agreement reached between Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea for the transfer of Filipe Luis to the English Club, the Brazilian full-back held a farewell press conference at the Atlético Sports City.

The defender wanted to speak before taking questions from the journalists gathered in Majadahonda. He said, "I can say that it has been the most difficult decision I’ve ever made in my life. When the first offer from Chelsea came, the first thing I did was talk to Caminero and the Club and explain my reasons. The truth is that as a child I always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, and decided to communicate it to the Club so they could see that that was my goal, a change of scenery. I think that my time here was up at this stage".

It has been the most difficult decision I’ve ever made in my life

The Brazilian went on to say, "There have been many moments, a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment. I've been very happy at this Club. The reason for my leaving is neither economical nor because I’m at odds with Atlético de Madrid. On the contrary, I'm still an Atlético and will be for the rest of my life. I fell very identified with this Club and at 29, I very much wanted to try a different League".

During question time, Filipe Luis commented, "That’s my decision. I really wanted to talk, many times. I don't know if it’s a wrong or right decision, but it’s the one I’ve taken at this moment and I'm glad that people really know what I think and what I lived and that it comes from me." He also said, "The Club will always be the Club. I think that players come and go, they’re going to change one year or the next. Some players play better and others play worse, but the Club and the fans is what remain. Even the management changes. It’s a Club where the only thing that remains is the institution”.