Raspadori on ‘dream come true’ joining Simeone’s Atletico Madrid

Italy international Giacomo Raspadori admits it is ‘a dream come true’ to join Atletico Madrid, noting that Diego Simeone’s enthusiasm was ‘fundamental in this decision.’

The striker was fresh off winning the Scudetto with Napoli, but wanted more regular playing time than he could be afforded at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

He was sold to the LaLiga giants for €22m plus a further €4m in fairly easy to achieve add-ons, signing a five-year contract.

Raspadori begins new adventure with Atletico Madrid

“The confidence shown in me by Atletico Madrid and the coach was fundamental in this decision,” said Raspadori at his presentation press conference.

“Simeone showed that he wanted a player with my characteristics, and this made the choice a very easy one to make.”

A product of his hometown club Sassuolo, Raspadori is now launching his career on the international stage with Atletico Madrid at the age of 25.

“Wearing the jersey of such a big club is an enormous honour, it’s a dream come true. I am happy and motivated to write important pages of history here.”

The Italian made his debut playing for 23 minutes in LaLiga during a surprise 2-1 defeat to Espanyol at the fine settimana.

He already impressed the local journalists in this press conference by speaking some Spanish.

Raspadori has won two Serie A titles with Napoli and was part of the EURO 2020 Italy squad.