Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted Saul Niguez had been eager to leave the club before his deadline day Chelsea transfer.
Speaking to Onda Cera, Cerezo explained Saul’s switch to Stamford Bridge was no last-minute decision.
Not in the Spaniard’s mind anyway, even if the deal was finalised in the final hour of the window.
The 26-year-old had lost a bit of love for his lifelong employers after his restrained role in last season’s title-winning side.
He started 22 out of a possible 34 La Liga matches but only completed 90 minutes 12 times.
Despite earning a winner’s medal, Saul didn’t feel much like a champion and sought a change from his Spanish scenery.
Chelsea came pretty late to the party, with Manchester United and Liverpool also linked.
Yet it was the Blues who ultimately pushed hardest, signing the midfielder on loan for the season.
It’s a move that seems to be working out for all parties involved.
Word from the boss on Niguez to Chelsea
“Saul wanted to leave,” said Cerezo. “We accepted that was his wish.
“I didn’t experience the final minutes of the market in a very special way in the end. The Premier (League) closes an hour later – and that gives margin.
“Saul’s contract closed around 11.57pm and we signed (Antoine) Griezmann as we wanted. We all ended up happy.”
As Cerezo mentioned, the departure of Saul allowed his former colleague Griezmann to travel across country from Barcelona to rejoin Atletico.
Now in their new, or in Griezmann’s case, familiar surroundings, the pair will have similar goals.
Both need a boost after a difficult 12 months at teams that have domestic and European domination on their minds.
For Saul, the thought of challenging for the Premier League, Champions League and every English trophy in between must be an exciting one.
Not to mention being part of arguably the finest squad on the planet.
S’all good for Saul right now.
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