Following a stunning free transfer from Tottenham, Matt Doherty has described his January move to Atletico Madrid as a “no-brainer.”
Doherty’s transfer from north London to the Wanda Metropolitano was one of the most unexpected deadline-day deals; it began as a loan move, with Spurs later terminating the player’s contract to make the transfer possible.
Spurs were unable to loan Doherty out for the rest of the season, as initially planned.
They had hit their FIFA-imposed limit of eight international loans. That led to Doherty’s contract being mutually terminated before signing on a short-term deal in Spain.
The Liga giants unveiled Doherty, who claimed it was “impossible” to pass up the chance to play for Atletico and collaborate with “world class” manager Diego Simeone.
A new challenge for me I’m very happy and excited to represent @Atleti it will be an honour to wear number 12 for this great club. Time to focus and get to work. Thank you for the incredible welcome. pic.twitter.com/eIebSbUo7B
— Matt Doherty (@mattdoherty20) February 1, 2023
What Matt Doherty Said
“For me, it was kind of a no-brainer once the opportunity came and I had to take it with both hands. It”s an absolute pleasure to be here,” Doherty said.
“I never imagined at the time something like this would be able to happen. Back in time when I was doing everything my dream initially was to play in the Premier League. I fulfilled that dream.
“But opportunities come that are unexpected at times, and this was an opportunity I saw that if I made the move I could better myself as a person exploring different cultures and different football.
“Like I said before, once the opportunity came it was impossible for me to give it up.”
Doherty continued: “I am here until the end of the season, but that doesn’t have to be the end. That will be up to me and I will try to perform well and see where it takes me,” he added.
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“Initially now it is only for six months, but let”s see if I can continue to do well for the club and see what happens going forward.”
He added: “As you know he [Simeone] doesn’t speak a lot of English, so my message to him was I”m here, I”m fit, I”m strong and I”m ready to play. I can play for him on the left, I can play for him on the right or through the middle.
“Wherever he needs me, whether I play five minutes or 90 minutes, he knows that I won”t stop running and working as hard as possible for him, the club and my team-mates.”
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