Kieran Trippier completed his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The move ended the England international’s four-year spell in North London when he put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the La Liga side which carried a transfer fee of £20million (BBC).
Trippier has now revealed his motives for the move to Spain and also disclosed that he had held conversations with Mauricio Pochettino about his future and told the Spurs boss that he wanted to make the switch.
The 28-year-old struggled with form last season following his return from an impressive display at the World Cup in Russia and disclosed that the opportunity to play for Diego Simeone was a massive influence on his choice.
An opportunity to experience a different culture and a reason to learn Spanish was also a key driver in his decision where he can now try and focus on playing his football and look to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans following his recent omission from England’s Nations League final squad.
Trippier told Metro when asked about Simeone: ‘He was massive,’
‘From watching Atletico over the years you see what he demands of his team, the work ethic. They give everything for the team, the badge. It’s like a big family here and I wanted to be a part of this. ‘For me, he’s one of the best managers in the world and it’s an absolute privilege to play for him and give everything I can for him.’
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He added: ‘Obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world, but when Atletico Madrid were interested I didn’t think twice.
‘It was a great opportunity for myself, my family, to come and live in Madrid and experience it.
‘Me and Mauricio (Pochettino, Spurs manager) had a conversation about my future. I explained there was a big opportunity at Atletico Madrid and it was an opportunity that I didn’t want to turn down.
‘The most important thing is to get involved in the culture of the players and learn the language.
‘My main priority is to learn the language straight away, to make it easier for my family and just enjoy playing for Atletico and living in Madrid.
‘I’ve always wanted to speak Spanish anyway and this gives me a better opportunity to do that.’
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