Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak has claimed that he is extremely happy to have joined Atletico Madrid. Despite being only 21 years old, Atletico have decided to pay an astronomical £ 12 million for the goalkeeper. He joins from Portuguese club Benfica, where he has been a regular first-team player only for the last 12 months. Atletico wasted no time in securing the deal after they became aware that Thibaut Courtois would not be returning for fourth loan spell from Chelsea. The Belgian international has been the number one under Diego Simeone for last three seasons.
Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak has claimed that he is extremely happy to have joined Atletico Madrid. Despite being only 21 years old, Atletico have decided to pay an astronomical £ 12 million for the goalkeeper. He joins from Portuguese club Benfica, where he has been a regular first-team player only for the last 12 months. Atletico wasted no time in securing the deal after they became aware that Thibaut Courtois would not be returning for fourth loan spell from Chelsea. The Belgian international has been the number one under Diego Simeone for last three seasons.
During this period, Courtois was developed into one the best in the world and he was a major reason towards Atletico winning numerous titles in recent seasons. Simeone was thought to be concerned about having a poor goalkeeper behind the sticks, as it would not provide confidence to the team. Hence, they have decided to splash out a major portion of the transfer budget on this young goalkeeper, who stated in his first press conference that he is delighted to have joined a club with immense history. Despite being constantly overshadowed by local town rivals Real Madrid, Atletico have been enjoying their time in the sunshine by winning the league and reaching the Champions League final last season.
“I want to thank the president. My first impressions have been good. I’m very happy. I’m getting to know everyone at the club and my first impressions are incredible. I’m aware that I’ve come here to replace Courtois. I’m here with other goalkeepers, and I hope to get good results. I’ll give my best. I’m happy with the chance to play in La Liga. It’s better than the Portuguese league and it’s a huge challenge for me. I’ll give my all to be up to the mark,” said the youngster.