Grimaldo says he has joined Atletico Madrid with the ambition of winning trophies and becoming “the best full-back in La Liga” after completing his move from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 30-year-old Spain international was officially presented as Atletico’s first signing for the 2026-27 season, although his unveiling took place around six weeks after the transfer was announced on 30 June. The delay was because Grimaldo was part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup in the United States.
Grimaldo has signed a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2030. The club have paid Bayer Leverkusen €15m for the defender, with a further €8m potentially due in add-ons.
He will operate at left-back for Diego Pablo Simeone’s side and said he was determined to make an immediate impact.
“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.”
Grimaldo also spoke positively about his first impressions of Simeone, known as Cholo, and said their approach to the game could help Atletico challenge for silverware.
“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.”
The defender said he had arrived at Atletico with a clear desire to achieve major goals rather than simply continue his career at a new club.
“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.”
Grimaldo was also asked about his relationship with Marc Cucurella. The pair have a close friendship, but the Atletico player said their professional rivalry would not affect their personal bond.
“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.”
He added that his experience and determination could help Atletico’s younger players develop the same mindset.
“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.”
With Atletico facing the demands of matches every three days, Grimaldo said he was prepared for the workload and pressure involved.
“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.”
The full-back said he had spoken to Puivert, Llorente and Baena before making his decision, and that their views of Atletico’s squad and supporters reinforced his desire to move.
“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.”
Grimaldo ended his presentation by setting out the personal target he hopes to achieve during his time in Madrid.
“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.”
AF’s PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit:www.allfootballapp.com
