Mario Mandzukic has revealed he turned down offers from the Premier League and Serie A to join Atletico Madrid – and doesn’t regret his decision.
Mandzukic moved to the champions from Bayern Munich and says after a few months at Vicente Calderon, he is sure he made the right choice.
“I chose the right path for my career,” AS reports the striker saying in an interview.
“During negotiations I quickly realised two things – they were very keen to sign me and they were very serious and professional.
“The project won me over immediately and I’m delighted to be part of it and to contribute to its success.
“I couldn’t have chosen better. I was immediately accepted by the fans. They love players who give 100% and that’s why the general opinion is that this is the best atmosphere in the League.
“The atmosphere is fantastic and the Calderon motivates players up to the clouds.
“It wasn’t logical for me to stay at Bayern. I had proposals from England and I think that would have suited my style.
“There were also interesting offers from Italy and Russia but when the interest of Atletico began to take shape, I put the brakes on everything.”
Mandzukic added that even though he and Diego Simeone don’t share a language, once they had been in contact, he was always going to join Los Colchoneros.
“Even though I don’t speak Spanish, football lingo is easy to understand. I understand him easily, partly because I understand him as a Coach,” he continued.
“His style and his passion for success are clear and that’s what inspires me as well. I love it because he’s a fighter, a direct kind of person who doesn’t pretend any finesse and says what he really thinks.”