Defender confirms he turned down summer move to Atletico Madrid

Throughout the summer time, Atletico Madrid sought to signal a brand new right-back, and in the long run, they introduced in Marc Pubill from Almeria. Nonetheless, he was not their first-choice possibility, with Jesus Areso having been above him within the pecking order of switch targets.

Again in July, it was reported that Atleti had entered the race alongside Athletic Membership to signal Areso from Osasuna, however in the long run, the 26-year-old ended up at San Mames. Nonetheless, he did have the choice to hitch Los Colchoneros, as he has revealed throughout an interview with Diario AS.

“Sure, it’s the reality. I’m additionally grateful to them as a result of it’s an incredible membership. I’m not going to cover, however effectively, I made a decision to come back right here, I’m very snug and I believe I made choice.”

Areso reacts to criticism of Athletic transfer

For the most effective a part of a yr, Athletic had been fascinated with signing Areso, they usually lastly acquired their man in the summertime. Nonetheless, the defender was strongly criticised by Osasuna supporters for becoming a member of a Basque rival, and he has now given his ideas on the backlash, which he didn’t pay an excessive amount of consideration to.

“My pals instructed me that I had been criticised loads, individuals teased me loads, however I actually stick with these messages which might be greater than individuals assume, even inside the membership itself. Messages additionally from the affectionate followers, many non-public messages that I’ve obtained and wherein I’ve observed lots of heat from the Osasuna followers. There are a lot of individuals who instructed me that they understood my choice.”

Areso upbeat regardless of Champions League snubs

Areso was additionally requested about having not but featured within the Champions League this season, with Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde having opted for Andoni Gorosabel in opposition to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

“There are additionally Gorosabel and Lekue, who’re top-level gamers as they’ve proven right here at Athletic. Gorosabel had an incredible marketing campaign final season and Lekue all the time has nice video games, so it’s completely comprehensible. I solely deal with working, and on video games to come back.”