12 September 2007, by Lorna Danion

Ze Castro determined to succeed in Madrid

Portuguese resisted offers to stay in Spanish capital

Atletico Madrid defender Ze Castro says he resisted offers from other clubs during the close season because he is determined to be a success at the Vicente Calderon.

The 24-year-old moved to the Spanish capital last summer from Academica and experienced a mixed campaign with Atletico, with some good mid-season form followed by a less certain spell during the run-in.

The Portuguese is yet to feature so far this season for Atletico, who have started the season with just one point from two matches, but Ze Castro is unconcerned by his current situation.

“I’m calm with my work,” he told a press conference on Tuesday. “It’s clear that we all want to play, but the manager is the one who decides and we have to respect his decision, whether we play or not.

“It’s true that I had offers, but I’m here because I want to succeed at this club. I believe that I have the capacity to do well here and I’m going to fight and work hard to achieve it.

“If I didn’t have options of playing I wouldn’t be here. We have a great squad and there are three competitions. I, along with my team-mates have to work hard to help the team when we’re needed.

“We have a great team. The coach has lots of possibilities this season. There are class players and I’m sure that that will be demonstrated over the course of the season.”


Related: Man Utd and Chelsea in battle for Ze Castro signature