"The dressing room atmosphere is phenomenal, now I understand the successes of the previous years"
Daniel Aranzubia Aguado was introduced in the VIP room of the Vicente Calderon Stadium as a new Atletico player. The keeper from La Rioja was happy and proud to belong to a "great team".
The player arrived at the Vicente Calderon VIP lounge accompanied by Enrique Cerezo, president, and Jose Luis Perez Caminero, sporting director. The President welcomed the club saying "Daniel Aranzubia is a dedicated player who reinforces our goal with Courtois, we will now have healthy competition. It's not easy to go to the market now and find players with the profile, the commitment and the guarantees offered by Daniel. When we met him, we knew that his adaptation and integration would be immediate."
President commented that "since coming to Atletico Madrid, we have seen in him a keen player, with enthusiasm, with seriousness and a mature footballer. We believe in him and I believe that we will not go wrong. Daniel embodies the humble player profile and generousity, which is always delivered without reservation. A born fighter who does not rest until objectives are met and he provides great security and confidence in the squad. We are sure that you he will help us to further success. Welcome. This is your home."
Daniel Aranzubia said at the outset that "the club appreciates the commitment made by me. I only have words of thanks. It's a very good chance I will try to take advantage of. Hopefully this is a big year for this club. In the few days I've been at the club I do see the greatness you have and the complete dressing room to which I belong. No doubt all that makes success easier."
Asked about his feelings in the early days at the club, he said that "the dressing room is really good. I have seen that there is a great atmosphere in there and that is one of the keys to success achieved by the teams. When I see this I understand why in recent years Atleti have achieved the successes they have. The dressing room is fantastic, there is a very good marriage and a great atmosphere. I realised the greatness of the club since I arrived. "
Regarding competition with Courtois, the man from La Rioja noted that "it is clear that I am aware of what Courtois represents for this club and the season he had. In the end this is a team that is competent in all positions. I know where I come from and the situation in Atletico Madrid, but as the Chairman knows, I'm a born fighter and I will fight until the last minute to make things right and earn a spot. Ultimately, that benefits me in the group dynamic."
He made it clear that "I do not look beyond what may happen tomorrow. My goal is to train well this afternoon, make the squad and then come to train on Monday. I will not think long term because I signed a year and I will try to take advantage from the first minute to the last."
Aranzubia opted for Atletico Madrid because "I did not have to think about be in a team like this. Any Spanish player in the league would come running to this team and so I did."
Looking ahead to the League, Atletico Madrid visits the Sanchez Pizjuan on the first day. "Our team has to go and win in every ground. Sevilla are a team that has been reinforced well, it is a difficult place to go but we will try to bring the three points home," he said.
Then the player received the black keeper shirt with the number '1 'on the back from the president and the sporting director and the three posed for a photo. After the ceremony in the VIP room, the player posed with the full kit for media and fans on the pitch.