Spanish full-back happy to stay in La Liga.
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Atletico Madrid full-back Juanfran Torres reportedly rejected the opportunity to join Arsenal this summer, according to Spanish publication AS.
The 28-year-old has been at Atletico since 2011, having enjoyed a long career in La Liga with Real Madrid, Espanyol and Osasuna as well as his current employers.
However, the Gunners were reportedly keen on recruiting him as a potential option for their right-back slot, with the future of current first-choice Bacary Sagna remaining somewhat up in the air as he is yet to agree a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Torres committed his future to Atletico, himself signing a new contract with the club until 2017, and he supposedly was quick to turn down a move when Arsenal showed their interest.
Speaking after the signing of his new deal, he thanked the club and their fans, saying: “First I want to thank the club and the coach all the confidence they have in me. I am very proud to wear this shirt and this coat for many years.”
Diego Simeone’s side had to deal with the blow of losing two key players in Radamel Falcao and Martin Demichelis this summer, so keeping hold of Torres will come as a major boost for the club as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and Spain’s dominant top two of Real Madrid and Barcelona.