Arias excited to follow in Colombians' footsteps at Atletico

Colombia right-back Santiago Arias said on Thursday that he was excited to join Atletico Madrid where his compatriots, like Radamel Falcao and Luis Amaranto Perea, had left their mark.

The 26-year-old joined the Spanish side from Eindhoven on a five-year contract on Tuesday, replacing Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia, who moved to Inter Milan on a loan deal with an option to buy, reports Efe.

"I am going to a club where Colombians have made a difference, I know it's not easy, the competition is complicated but I like that, I want to come and contribute," Arias said in a video interview published by the Spanish football club.

"I feel proud to be in this great institution, I think it has always shown, this team is ready to challenge for big things, and I am happy to belong now to Atletico," he added.

He pointed out he was aware of the level of competition and he would "fight until the end".

Arias further explained that "I had the opportunity to face Atletico in the Champions League with PSV, I know the qualities of the team, how the coach works, and I like it, and I think it's a very big team from which I can learn many things."

Colombia's international praised Atletico's stadium, Wanda Metropolitano, and said he was looking forward to playing in it.

"To all the Atletico fans, tell them to always support us, that as soccer players we will give everything for the team," Arias concluded.

--IANS

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