After training this morning, Filipe Luis attended a press conference at the Vicente Calderón after his return to Atlético Madrid was made official yesterday. Without the presence of any club members, who are travelling to Japan as part of the preparations for the new season, the Brazilian said:
His return to Atlético: “I’m very happy to be back here after a year. It was a very nice experience at Chelsea and I could win the Premier League. This has been made possible again, this is my home and my best years have been here. I want to see my children see my play for Atlético.”
His reception: “My teammates have been spectacular. I have never lost touch with them, I watched some Atleti matches last season and they watched some of mine. With regards to the fans, whenever I’ve played in the Atlético shirt I have given all that I can, I think I will win the fans on the field and not with words, you should always perform at your best regardless of the time you wear the shirt. I hope to perform at my best.”
Differences between Mourinho and Simeone? When are you going to debut?: “Today was my first day back training with my teammates. I want to make my debut now but it depends on the coach. Mourinho and Simeone are very different in almost everything, but they share a crazy love of winning and they live football, everything else is different.”
What do you find back at Atlético?: “When I left I decided to try a new experience. I knew it would be difficult, because I would be leaving my family, friends and a squad. I never got rid of Atleti, I never separated from my team. I felt at home at the Vicente Calderón and had to start all over again. I went with lots of enthusiasm and I’ve had a very positive year.”
Differences between the old Atleti and the current one: “I’ve been talking with Juanfran and Esteban, the physio, and it seems as though I never left. It is as if I’ve been on holiday in Brazil for two months. I lost some friends, but new players have come in with quality and ambition. I was so used to the team and will have to adapt to the new players.”
At what point did you realise you wanted to return?: “I had spent the year at Chelsea and when the season ended the possibility came about. I told my agent that I didn’t want any other option. If Atlético wanted me there would be an option to leave, without that I would have stayed at Chelsea. When the season ended the negotiations started and I wanted to return.”
Are there aspirations to win everything?: “It’s a question for the coach, I prefer to take it game by game. It’s true that there is a great squad and a great investment made into it. We have a responsibility to have a good season and we have goals. I have always thought that it depends on Real Madrid and Barcelona, but I think we have a great squad.”
Differences between the Premier League and La Liga: “I wanted to go and know about the Premier League. They are very different, the Premier League is much better organised. The stadiums are packed, more attractive and the games are played without many stoppages. Although La Liga is different, there are also good atmospheres in the stadiums although they are not full, there is always pressure. In Spain it is less physical and has more quality. The thing that I noticed in English football is the physical aspect. I feel more comfortable here.”
Do you regret going to Chelsea?: No, it was exactly the opposite. I’ve learned many things, I played in big matches and different matches. We won the league, meaning I won La Liga and the Premier League after each other. It was a very valuable experience and I am very proud of the season.”