"I always wanted to join Atletico; I want to win titles"

Atletico Madrid have a new 'number 10'. Alex Baena was unveiled as a new 'Colchonero' and it was revealed that he will wear the number this season after it became free following Angel Correa's departure. The midfielder also answered questions from the press.

"The club has strengthened with great players. My priority has always been to stay in Spain. I always wanted to come to Atletico. I've always liked it because of its players, the coach and the fans. I held out to be able to come here, it's always been my dream," he began.

Simeone's impression: "We've had a few chats. What we've talked about stays between us. I've come here to show what I've done at Villarreal and to win titles. It's a big step in my career. We have a great coach and great players."

His relationship with Pablo Barrios: "Pablo surprised me a lot for the better. He is an extraordinary footballer who will bring a lot of joy to the club. I'm very happy to be able to share the pitch with him again, we get on very well together."

Tattooing the titles he wins: "I've come to win titles, I always do, we're going to get more than one tattooed".

Enrique Cerezo's words

The president of Atletico Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, thanked Alex Baena, the club's new midfielder, this Monday for "his desire to come from day one", despite all the offers and interest he had from other teams, and stressed that they want to go as far as possible in all competitions.

"Baena is an extraordinary footballer who we have always loved. We have to thank him for his desire to come from day one, despite all the offers that a player of his very high level had. He is a midfielder with great vision and excellent passing ability that led him to become the top assist provider in La Liga last season," said the president during the presentation of the player from Almeria, which was also attended by, among others, Carlos Bucero, the club's general manager of football, and Oscar Mayo, director of revenue and operations.

"Now the moment of truth begins because La Liga kicks off in a few weeks and we have great challenges ahead of us, because we want to go as far as possible in all competitions this exciting season. Baena, I wish you all the best and hopefully this will be your home for a long time," he added to the player from Villarreal, with whom he played 33 games last season, between La Liga and the Copa del Rey, in which he scored seven goals and provided nine assists.

"You've been with us for a few days now and you've been able to see first-hand what Atletico Madrid represents, being able to have the affection of all the fans who have come to Segovia," said Cerezo, who also spoke about the planning they are doing this summer.

"The summer is the time to plan for the next season and work hard to ensure that the objectives we have set ourselves are achieved in the best possible way. The club has made a new effort and we are proud of that. We are convinced that this step forward will help us to continue growing and give joy to our fans," he explained.