Former AS Monaco winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco has explained why he opted to move to Atletico Madrid, having completed his transfer to the Spanish giants last week.
The forward completed his move to Atleti on Friday, agreeing terms on a five-year deal [via L’Equipe].
The Belgian international had been linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur understood to be interested in his services.
According to the Daily Star, the pair were both rebuffed by Monaco in January when they offered £8 million for the 21-year-old, with the Club of the Principality reportedly holding out for roughly double that fee.
In the end they got their wish, and agreed a €20m deal for the attacking midfielder, according to L’Equipe, with scope for the fee to be increased with bonuses.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Ferreira Carrasco has explained why he opted to join the Colchoneros, and that he was ‘happy’ to be there, and that he would ‘work to be in the starting XI.’
The youngster outlined that the presence of Diego Simeone, who he identified as “one of the most important coaches in the world” was a key influencing factor in his decision to move to Spain.
SEE ALSO:
Bastian Schweinsteiger posts heartfelt farewell to Bayern Munich on Twitter ahead of Manchester United tra
Man United reach ‘verbal agreement’ to sign €40m South American wing wizard
Morgan Schneiderlin closer to Manchester United transfer, midfielder has left pre-season squad
“Atletico is a big club,” he continued, “it was easy [to make the choice] to come to Atletico.”
Last term, the attacking midfielder scored six goals in 36 outings in the French top flight, and was particularly impressive in the Champions League Last 16 first-leg match, when he starred as the Monegasques beat Arsenal 3-1.