Ruggeri: “It’s an honour for me to be part of this family, a dream come true”
The Italy international spoke to Club media about his new adventure in an interview.
Matteo Ruggeri appeared very happy about joining the Rojiblancos and told the Club that it was a dream come true in an interview with us. “It’s an honour for me to be part of this family. It’s a dream come true. I’m happy to be joining such a big Club with this much history. I can’t wait to start training and playing,” he said.
The young full-back was certain from the very beginning: “When my agents told me that Atlético were interested, I had no doubts. I said ‘yes’ straight away. It’s too big an opportunity; I couldn’t let it slip away. I’m really pleased to be here.”
Ruggeri defines himself as an aggressive player who leaves everything out on the pitch. He said, “I’ve mostly played as a wing-back in a back five, but I can also play in a back four or as the left centre-back in a back three. I like to get forward and work hard; I don’t hold anything back. I’m an aggressive player with a combative mindset. That’s where my nickname comes from.”
The young Italian is known as ‘Il Tigre’: “It comes from my style of play. I like to be aggressive, get in people’s faces, fight for every ball. I never hold back. On the pitch, I always have this fighting spirit and energy,” he explained.
One of Ruggeri’s core objectives is to work hard and improve each day so that he can give everything for Atleti. “My only aim is to start strongly, train as hard as I can, and show the gaffer how happy I am to be here. I want to get better each day, on what I need to perfect, and give my all for this Club. In terms of the group, I want to bring my energy and commitment to help the team in any way that I can.”
“Playing under Simeone is a dream come true as well. He’s an incredible coach and a great person. I got to speak to him a few days ago, and my impression was that he is a special person. It makes me really proud, and I hope to show my ability to him and the whole Atleti family,” he said.
Ruggeri also wanted to send a message to the fans, thanking them for their warm welcome. “I’ve received a lot of nice messages from the supporters on social media. This gives me more strength to start this new adventure with excitement and to fight alongside them and my teammates.”
To finish, Ruggeri told us that he spoke to Juan Musso, his teammate at Atalanta, with whom he will reunite in Madrid. “He told me about the atmosphere in the city and the stadium, which made me more excited to be coming here. He said some great things about the Club, and that motivates me even more. It’s a huge opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of my new teammates.”
