Matt Doherty has claimed that his move to Atletico Madrid was a "no-brainer" once the opportunity was presented to him. Joining Tottenham in August 2020 after excelling in the Premier League for Wolves, the Republic of Ireland international departed the Lilywhites on transfer deadline day to seal a move to the Spanish capital.
Initially expected to be heading to Atleti on a loan deal until the end of the season, Tottenham confirmed in the final hour of the winter market that they had agreed to mutually terminate his contract. At the limit of eight players out on international loans, they instead had to end his contract, which ran until 2024, in order for him to complete his move to Diego Simeone's team.
Always someone who has admired the La Liga side and the coach, it was a very easy decision for the 31-year-old once his new club had made their move for him.
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"The way they've played over time I have always been an admirer, even when they played Champions League against English team just to see the away fans how passionate they can be," said Doherty in his official presentation as an Atletico Madrid player. "I've always admired the coach and how he sets his teams up and how difficult they are to beat.
"For me it was kind of a no-brainer once the opportunity came and I had to take it with both hands. It's an absolute please to be here."
He added: "I never imagined at the time something like this would be able to happen. Back in time when I was doing everything my dream initially was to play in the Premier League. I fulfilled that dream.
"But opportunities come that are unexpected at times, and this was an opportunity I saw that if I made the move I could better myself as a person exploring different cultures and different football. Like I said before, once the opportunity came it was impossible for me to give it up."
Working under world-class managers in Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte at Tottenham, Doherty will now have the opportunity to improve his game even more working with Simeone. Signing a short-term contract with Atleti until the end of the season, Doherty is looking to make a real impression so that his stay in Madrid can be extended beyond the current campaign.
"For me it is an opportunity to improve myself and work under another world-class manager, I've been fortunate enough where I have been able to do that through my career," he said. "So for me this is all about playing football, trying to improve myself, trying to help the team.
"I am here until the end of the season, but that doesn't have to be the end. That will be up to me and I will try to perform well and see where it takes me. Initially now it is only for six months, but let's see if I can continue to do well for the club and see what happens going forward."
Atletico Madrid's new No.12 has made it clear that he will do all he can for Simeone and his teammates as he looks to help the team achieve their goals this season.
"As you know he [Simeone] doesn't speak a lot of English, so my message to him was I'm here, I'm fit, I'm strong and I'm ready to play," revealed the Irishman. "I can play for him on the left, I can play for him on the right or through the middle.
"Wherever he needs me, whether I play five minutes or 90 minutes, he knows that I won't stop running and working as hard as possible for him, the club and my teammates. My message to him is that I am ready to go and ready to help the team."
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