15 November 2007, by Paulo Carvalho

Atletico Madrid eye Quaresma & Mourinho dream ticket

Spanish club ready to increase Portuguese contingent

Atletico Madrid have not given up hope of trying to land FC Porto winger, Ricardo Quaresma. The Portuguese international was the subject of intense speculation last summer linking him to a move from the Portuguese champions, but bidders were priced out of a transfer.

Now Atletico president, Enrique Cerezo, has admitted that he would still like to bring Quaresma to the Spanish capital and unite him with fellow Portuguese wideman, Simao Sabrosa.

“We wanted Simao and Quaresma for the beginning of the season, but the president of FC Porto asked for a price that was too high and impossible to pay.”

“Nonetheless, the possibility of uniting these two players still remains intact. Quaresma is very young and still can become an Atletico player.”

If Quaresma were to join the Rojoblancos, he would be the fourth Portuguese player in the squad as the club have Maniche and Ze Castro on the payroll, as well as Simao.

The FC Porto wing wizard may not be the only Portuguese addition to be brought to the club. Cerezo is also an admirer of one Jose Mourinho, and with the club determined to land a Champions League spot next season, the former Chelsea boss may be the man to accomplish that.

“Jose Mourinho is a great coach and Atletico are interested in great coaches,” said Cerezo.

The president’s statement will no doubt make uncomfortable reading for current coach, Javier Aguirre. The club currently sit in sixth place in the table.

Related: Ricardo Quaresma PortuGOAL profile