Atletico Madrid News
25-year-old Spanish midfielder reacts to interest from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona
Aleix Garcia has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in the Spanish market following an excellent start to the season with Girona.
Formerly of Manchester City, the central midfielder has become an ever-present figure in Girona’s second line of press. He has racked up 14 league appearances this season, with three assists to his name.
Garcia’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs keeping close tabs on his situation at Girona.
In a recent interview, Garcia has reacted to the interest, voicing his pleasure to be linked with clubs of such magnitude. He also hinted at his desire to make a big step in his career even though he is happy with his life at Girona.
“It is true that there are a lot of rumors, but so far I have not received any calls, neither from my representative nor from anyone else. But that they talk about you is positive. It makes me want to continue playing at this level and let the future say what it has to say,” he said (h/t AS).
The 25-year-old is currently in his second spell at Girona, having previously played for the Catalan outfit from 2017 to 2019 on a loan deal. But after finding success in his second spell at the club, the midfielder is happy with his life in Catalonia.
“I have always said that I am very good at Girona, it is like my home, but it depends on what options may come your way, it is a very big leap,” he said.
But Garcia indicates he is also quite ambitious and would be open to a move to a top-tier outfit. “I am ambitious, I want to continue improving and make the leap to a team like these, of course, I would like to,” he added.
Aleix Garcia’s words could come as a major boost for Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly on the hunt for new midfielders.
The 25-year-old’s contract with Girona expires at the end of the season, although it could be extended by a year automatically if they do not get relegated from La Liga. Atletico Madrid will be closely watching the situation of the ex-Manchester City ace in the coming months.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid midfielder on the derby against Real Madrid: “Very difficult to beat them”
Following a 1-1 draw in their Champions League opener against Lazio, Atletico Madrid will shift all their attention to La Liga, as they brace themselves for the derby against Real Madrid this weekend.
Heading into this game, Atleti midfielder Marcos Llorente spoke about Real Madrid’s quality and Atletico Madrid’s chances of squeezing all three points from this iconic derby.
Llorente on Madrid derby
“The sensations are good. The team is very good, the other day we played a great game despite ending up drawing. I really think that the team did a great job that must be maintained for this match,” Llorente said in an interview with Diario AS.
When asked whether or not Real Madrid being tagged as favourites could aid Atleti, the midfielder said, “Honestly, it neither motivates me nor demotivates me. We simply have to do what we work on during the week, what the coach asks of us.”
Llorente stressed the importance of the game, adding, “It is a great rival we have in front of us, they are having a very good start to the season and that motivates me and everyone to try to play a good game.”
“Real Madrid is a great club, they have great players and it is very difficult to beat them. I think we have competed, we have also achieved several draws, but in the end, either you go out one hundred percent and do things very, very well or it is difficult to beat them,” he added.
A former member of the Real Madrid youth academy, Llorente joined Atletico Madrid in 2019. Since then, he has racked up over 150 competitive appearances for Los Colchoneros.
Llorente, though, said he feels no sense of vindication when he performs well against his former team.
“No. In the end, it’s been many years since I left there and I’m at Atlético. Perhaps in the first years, those types of feelings and sensations can arise, but today they no longer do,” he said.
Llorente on Vinicius, Koke & Bellingham
The Atletico Madrid star went on to talk about other aspects of the game, including the fact that his team had one less player every time they faced Real Madrid last season.
“I have zero worries. These are things that are not in our remit, that escape our hands. We play football, the referees referee and those who have to decide decide,” he said.
Llorente, in fact, said that the return of Koke could be a real boost for Atleti. “It is always good that Koke is with us, both on the field and in the day-to-day life of the game,” he said.
“Beyond the grass. The support he gives, the advice he gives us, his experience. it is always important to have him and it is great news that he is already training with us,” he added.
Talking about the absence of Vinicius Junior and the form of Jude Bellingham, Llorente said, “Well, you have to be careful with everyone. All Real Madrid players are very good and can make a difference at any moment of the game. Bellingham is having a great start and we have to take that into account and be very focused.”
Finally, Marcos Llorente put out a message for all the Atletico Madrid fans, claiming their support ahead of this crucial encounter this weekend.
“It will be a full house as always. We don’t have to tell them anything, they know the importance of this match for Atlético, we know that they never fail, they are always supporting us and we count on them,” he said.
