'I'm wearing the best colours now' - Juanfran puts Real past behind him

By -


The right-back came through Los Blancos' youth team ranks but has insisted ahead of Saturday's Champions League final that he is now Atleti through and through Juanfran remains grateful to Real Madrid for developing him as a player but says that he is glad that he is now wearing the red and white of Atletico. The defender came through Los Blancos' youth system, making six Liga appearances for the Santiago Bernabeu side before leaving for Osasuna - after a loan spell at Espanyol - and then moving to the Vicente Calderon in 2011. However, despite his Real background, Juanfran insisted ahead of Saturday's all-Madrid Champions League final in Lisbon that he is now Atletico through and through. "I'm very grateful to Madrid for the years I spent there, how they treated me and trained me, but now I'm an Atletico Madrid player and I am aware I've been wearing the best colours," the right-back told Uefa. "Of course, matches against Real Madrid are different, they are more special, but all I want and all I think about, above all, is victory for Atletico - the past is behind me." Atletico go into the final as the newly crowned champions of Spain, having claimed their first Primera Division title since 1996 courtesy of a 1-1 draw at Barcelona last weekend. Juanfran, however, says that winning the Champions League would be an even greater achievement for the Rojiblancos, who have only appeared in one previous final, in 1974, when they were beaten by Bayern Munich. "It would be incredible, for me and my family," the 29-year-old stated. "They are proud of what I have done and what I am doing. "But, of course, being a European champion and being the best team in Europe is as good as it gets."

Popular posts from this blog

JAMIE REDKNAPP: Manchester United have dominated for years... but rivals City are the future of English football

By -
Image
After 38 games of a long, hard season, the best side always wins the title and Manchester City thoroughly deserve their success. Manuel Pellegrini has done a fantastic job in his first season in English football and he and City should be congratulated. After the match I was talking to Graeme Souness and we agreed that if we were to have our careers again in the present day then we, and any current young player, would want to join City. That is the club where you want to be. Man United have dominated English football for so long and though City might not have the history, they have the future.
Read more

Liverpool and Southampton show interest in signing Cardiff defender Steven Caulker

By -
Image
Liverpool, along with Southampton, are showing interest in Cardiff captain Steven Caulker. The 22-year-old has a release clause in his contract — along with team-mate Gary Medel — that he can leave following relegation. The Bluebirds' relegation was confirmed following their 3-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday, although the England defender suggested he would be prepared to play in the Championship next season. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on relegation In demand: Steven Caulker is attracting interest from Liverpool and Saints after Cardiff's relegation.
Read more

Brendan Rodgers wants five summer signings to boost Liverpool's Champions League bid

By -
Image
Brendan Rodgers has outlined his vision to take Liverpool forward and is targeting up to five quality additions to bolster his squad. Though Rodgers has vowed to fight until the final whistle on Sunday, he has conceded Liverpool’s hopes of winning their first title since 1990 have almost been extinguished after only taking one point from their last two games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace. But wherever Liverpool finish this campaign, Rodgers is aware that improvements need to be made to the squad during the summer and believes the fact they can guarantee Champions League football will give them a considerable lure. Top target: Adam Lallana (right) is wanted by Liverpool this summer Liverpool did not sign anyone in January but their scouts have identified a number of targets, including Southampton’s Adam Lallana and Cardiff defender Steven Caulker, as having the potential to improve the squad and take the club forward. ‘The work has been on-going for a little while now, especially s
Read more