The China Mail - Grimaldo realises goal of Atletico Madrid move from Leverkusen

The left-back, who is part of Spain's World Cup squad, has signed a four-year deal.

"I’ve said for a long time, my goal was to return to Spain. From the start of this summer transfer window my agent knew where I wanted to go, my first choice was Atletico," Grimaldo told a press conference at Spain's training base.

"It all came together and I’m very happy to be there.

"I believe Atletico Madrid is one of Spain's big clubs. I am at the peak of my career, joining a Champions League team that competes for every trophy.

"That is the goal I've had for a long time, and today I've achieved it."

The 30-year-old came through Barcelona's academy before joining Benfica in 2016.

Grimaldo moved to Leverkusen in 2023 and was a key part of their Bundesliga winning side in 2024 under Xabi Alonso.

The attacking full-back is a set-piece specialist, netting six free-kicks over the last three seasons.

Atletico had been linked with Marc Cucurella, who signed for rivals Real Madrid earlier in June, before moving for Grimaldo to bolster coach Diego Simeone's options.

Grimaldo is yet to play a minute at the World Cup as Cucurella played every minute of the group stages at left-back.

However, he could be used as en emergency left winger with Luis de la Fuente's options on the flanks decimated by injury.

Grimaldo scored 30 goals in three seasons at Leverkusen and is confident he can offer an extra dimension to the Spain attack.

"In terms of attack, my numbers speak for themselves.

"I know what I need to do in the final third, so if the question is whether I can play as a winger, the answer is yes.

"I think the manager knows that too. If he needs to use me there at any point, I can do the job."

Spain face Austria in the last 32 on Thursday as they aim to win a knockout game for the first time since they lifted the World Cup in 2010.

After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cape Verde to open their World Cup, the European champions progressed as Group H winners after victories against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

But Grimaldo said the elimination of Germany and the Netherlands' on Monday served as a warning to La Roja.

"I think any team can knock you out if you aren't playing at the right level. You have to stay focused and respect every opponent," he added.

"Germany and the Netherlands getting knocked out yesterday puts everyone on alert, but we already know it's a World Cup and that every match is a real challenge."

W.Cheng--ThChM