Godin: La Liga is the best, the most competitive and the most beautiful.

John Bridgen 8 years ago 138
Diego Godín, celebrating a goal for Atlético Madrid. ClubAtléticodeMadrid

The 29-year-old cited his ambition to lift the title again with the club as key to his decision to sign a new four-year deal

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin says he signed a new contract at the club because of his desire to win a second league title at the Vicente Calderon.

Godin has become a key player since joining from Villarreal in 2010 and scored the crucial goal to clinch a draw against Barcelona to win La Liga on the final day of the 2013/14 season.

The club were unable to retain their title last season, but the 29-year-old revealed his motivation to win the trophy back after committing himself to Atletico until 2019.

"I am very happy and ambitious," Godin told reporters at a press conference held to announce his renewal. "I want to do my best and take this club to the top.

"My dream, and one I share with all my team-mates, is to be crowned champions again. I've come to identify myself with this club, and it's hard not to love it when you feel the affection from the fans.

"[Coach Diego] Simeone played a big role in my decision and was the first to want me to stay and be happy, while my team-mates all urged me to stay."

Reports over the summer claimed Manchester City were interested in Godin, but he insists he never once thought about leaving: "I never once doubted I would be staying at Atletico.

"There was an offer that surpassed what Atletico were offering me to renew which came in, but I weighed my happiness here and decided to stay.

"Everyone speaks highly of the Premier League, but I think La Liga is the best, the most competitive and the most beautiful."

Godin and Atletico kicked off their new campaign with a 1-0 win at home to Las Palmas that came courtesy of Antoine Griezmann's free-kick.

Mentioned in the news story

Diego Godín
Atlético
Manchester City