16 November 2007, by Sean Gillen

Simao determined to restore Atletico to former glory

Portuguese winger happy with start at Spanish club

Atletico Madrid’s Portuguese winger Simao Sabrosa has underlined his determination to help restore the club back to its previous place as one of Spain’s best sides.

The team from the capital signed the former Benfica captain over the summer in yet another attempt to see the club challenge for a top four place in La Liga, and Simao’s quick adaptation has seen the 28-year-old enjoy a good start to life in Madrid.

“I feel really good, I’m very comfortable,” he said. “We’re working really hard. Little by little we’re going to return Atletico to the position that it deserves. I said it when I arrived and we’re going to do it.”

“We’ve a good dynamic. We can and we’re going to be amongst the best. Atletico is a grand team because of its history and everything it represents. Both the players and the coaching staff want to be among the best and we’re fighting for that. We’re on the right path to achieve it, but we need time.

“We have the squad to win one of the three competitions. La Liga is difficult, the UEFA Cup or the Copa Del Rey are more feasible, but we have to be realistic and go from match-to-match, and that’s how we’ll go far.”

Special Fans

Simao is also quick to praise manager Javier Aguirre, while also revealing his admiration for the Los Rojiblancos fans, who he claims have been a major help when the team play at their home Vicente Calderon stadium.

“Aguirre? He’s very attentive, he knows the players well, he likes to talk a lot and that’s important. He doesn’t only speak with those who play, but also with those who get fewer minutes. He knows how to motivate the footballers and that makes whoever ends up taking the pitch give their best.

“I love the fans, they’ve received me really well. They’re always supportive, and they don’t stop for a minute. We’re focused on the pitch, but there’s always a minute where the match comes to a stop and you can hear how they cheer you on and encourage you.

“For our part, we’ll try to do things well so that they enjoy our play and go home happy.”


Related: Simao PortuGOAL profile