Alejandro Grimaldo says he has joined Atletico Madrid with “great ambition” and wants to win trophies while becoming the best full-back in La Liga.
The Spanish defender was officially presented as Atletico Madrid’s first signing for the 2026-27 season after completing his move from Bayer Leverkusen. The 30-year-old signed a contract running until 2030, with the Rojiblancos paying €15m up front and a further €8m in add-ons.
Although the transfer was announced on 30 June, Grimaldo’s unveiling was delayed by a month and a half because he was representing Spain at the World Cup in the United States, where the national team won the tournament.
Grimaldo is expected to operate at left-back in Diego Pablo Simeone’s side. Speaking at his presentation, he said: “I’m very happy to be here. As I said a few weeks ago, I’m fulfilling a dream.”
“I’m really looking forward to coming here and showing my attitude, my skills, and my ambition. I know we have a fantastic fanbase. The coach also showed me the ambition of this club. I’m very eager to start this journey in the match against Malaga and fight for a win.”
The defender said Simeone’s approach had impressed him from the beginning and that their footballing outlooks were closely aligned.
“Everyone knows Cholo (Simeone), he’s very dedicated. I noticed this in my first two training sessions with him. I found him to be very eager for success. His ideas are very similar to mine, and I believe we will work together to win championships for this club.”
Grimaldo made clear that his ambitions extend beyond simply securing a place in the Atletico Madrid team.
“In the world of football, you never know what will happen. This is my opportunity, and I’ve come with great ambition, I want to emphasize that. This is my mentality: to come here and achieve great things.”
“We have a great team, a great coach. We are ready to fight for everything.”
He also addressed his relationship with Marc Cucurella, stressing that personal ties would remain separate from their professional lives.
“Regarding Cucurella, we have to separate the world of football from personal life. I have a great friendship with him, and that won’t change.”
Grimaldo said he wanted to contribute not only through his performances but also by encouraging the club’s younger players.
“Everyone knows I’m a footballer. I think I can contribute a lot of effort and ambition. I also want to do my best to help young players develop the same ambition.”
He acknowledged the demands of Atletico Madrid’s schedule, with matches often arriving every three days, but said he was prepared for the pressure.
“In the world of football, playing a match every three days is a lot of pressure, but I know how to handle it. I’m ready to take on this pressure.”
Grimaldo added that he had spoken to Puivert, Llorente and Baena before making his decision, with the trio offering positive views of the squad and supporters.
“I have a good relationship with Puivert, Llorente, and Baena, and they all spoke highly of the team and the fans. It’s very important to be back in the locker room with friends. Before the transfer window opened, I knew very clearly that I wanted to come here.”
He ended by outlining the personal target he has set himself at his new club.
“I am a very ambitious person, and my goals are very clear. I want to win titles, and be the best full-back in La Liga, and I won’t be satisfied if I don’t achieve that goal.”
