Every word Saul Niguez said after joining Chelsea - Full Transcript
It was a late one, but Saul joined Chelsea on deadline day!
Chelsea finally confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez late last night, albeit with some last minute drama.
The deal was seemingly waiting on a couple of other deals to click into place, but fear not it was soon announced by Chelsea!
Saul said some immediate words on the website…
“I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea. Blues fans, I am one of you now and I can’t wait to wear the shirt, start training and see all of you. See you soon!”
Then he was clearly so excited to be joining the Champions of Europe that he partook in a Twitch stream with Ibai Llanos.
Here is every word he said…
"They are the Champions of Europe. It’s very positive for me. My parents can’t believe it. They are Atletico fans! It’s a great opportunity for me, they are happy for me.
"They are a fantastic team in the Premier League. I don’t speak English, I want to learn it. I know how to say what my name is! That’s it.
"I don't know what my plan is for tomorrow. Probably when I arrive I will go to the hotel and then immediately to training. Later, I will probably have to spend time with the club media, do interviews, photos...
"I'm looking forward to the trip, I'm about to go packing my suitcase. I want to be there and start a new adventure.
"It’s a number I had at Atletico Madrid, it’s a number I like. I had it at Atletico. I had it in my early days." - On possibly wearing the number 17 at Chelsea.
"The team is the host and then you have to adapt to the coach, to the city... Today I've not read anything, other days they did tell me to go to Chelsea and other teams, and I feel that I have affection for people in England.
“At 11:57 p.m. we finished reviewing the contract and they had to see it there ... I was like De Gea. I thought: 'This is not going to come in and that's it.' It has been a long afternoon and night.
"My wife was very nervous, we have had some very complicated days, because this decision is not easy. Leaving my house on a new adventure is complicated.
“Chelsea has promised me to train in my position, to play we will see. To return to certain customs that I do not do now, that is the most important reason for my decision.
"The three midfielders who are playing are at a high level, it will not be easy to play, but if I put my mind to it and fight it, I can get it.
“Yesterday I was staying. I'm sorry not to say goodbye to the fans. If I had known that Sunday was my last game I would have approached the fans at the end. Griezmann and I together? The feeling is that it was one for the other."
"I'll give it a try and see what happens. Give it my all and help Chelsea so that he [Tuchel] can see the Saúl I want to show. Not just a versatile player. They promised me that I would play in my position. It was very important.
"From the beginning of the summer I found out that the club wanted me to leave. It was hard.
“Kepa [Arrizabalaga] being at Chelsea has been an important step in my decision.
“I owe everything to Diego [Simeone] and he has to be selfish and think about the group. I think we all come out on top. Antoine comes and I go to a huge club like Chelsea.
"I saw myself stuck in a position that was not mine. Chelsea's option was to get out of the comfort zone, a challenge. Two days ago I told my wife that I was staying."
Great words, I’m sure we will get the official interview with the club and media shots today when he is expected to fly into London, then his first training session is likely to be Monday.
If you guys want to re-live the drama of the last two days of the transfer window with minute by minute updates on outgoings and arrivals, have a look at my live blog for arrivals here, and my live blog for departures here!
Simon Phillips
Brilliant addition -just what the midfield group needed. left footed, street smart, brave and tons of experience at the highest level. looking forward to how Saul gets used to the PL experience. At least we have plenty of games for him to cover Kante etc and also start on his own performances.