Atletico Madrid’s new signing, Thomas Lemar said he’s ready to adapt to Diego Simeone‘s style of play and he’s not afraid of the physical demands usually expected by the Atletico manager.
Thomas Lemar joined Atletico Madrid from AS Monaco.
The France international rose to prominence in the 2016-17 season when Leonardo Jardim’s young Monaco side reached the Champions League semi-finals and won the Ligue 1.
After transfers rumours to Liverpool and Arsenal failed to materialise, Lemar was not quite so impressive the last term, but that has not deterred Atletico. Thomas Lemar told reporters at his presentation on Monday,
“I know, and that doesn’t bother me. I have the capacity to run for long times. In Atletico they’re very demanding with that, I will give all I have for the team, so if I have to run to the max, I will do it with joy.”
The Europa League winners signed Lemar from Monaco in a quest to bolster their numbers on the flanks following the departures of Yannick Carrasco and Nico Gaitan last term.
Lemar’s signing was considered a real statement of intent by Atletico. They have also bought in Gelson Martins and Rodrigo. And the 22-year-old is targeting at least the Champions League final in his first season.
“It will be a goal for us this season. I think we will do the best we can to go as far as we can in the competition. And hopefully, we can win it since the final this season will be at home.”
Liverpool and Arsenal have both made offers for Lemar in the past, but on both the occasions, he stayed with Monaco.
The Spanish team announced last month that they had agreed to sign Lemar. He finally got presented as an Atletico player on Monday.
Thomas Lemar was also part of France’s World Cup winning side this summer, although he only made one appearance in Russia.