Griezmann and Hernandez lured Lemar to Atletico

Thomas Lemar has arrived in Spain to finalise his transfer from Monaco to Atletico Madrid in a deal said to be worth €60 million.

Published : Jul 26, 2018 22:54 IST

Thomas Lemar in action during the World Cup match between Denmark and France.
Thomas Lemar in action during the World Cup match between Denmark and France.
lightbox-info

Thomas Lemar in action during the World Cup match between Denmark and France.

Thomas Lemar said discussions with fellow France internationals Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez influenced his decision to join Atletico Madrid as he arrived in the Spanish capital to finalise his transfer.

The 22-year-old signed a preliminary agreement to join Diego Simeone's side in June, after impressing during three seasons at Monaco where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2016-17.

Lemar made one appearance for France at the World Cup, playing 90 minutes of a 0-0 draw against Denmark before Les Bleus went on to win the tournament and, as he prepared for his medical, he revealed that Atletico players Griezmann and Hernandez had helped him make his mind up about his future.

 

"I chose Atleti because I like the club and I've been following the team for a while," Lemar told the club's official website.

"Once the opportunity arose, it didn't take long for me to make my decision. Atleti have been interested in me for quite some time and after what Antoine and Lucas told me, I really wanted to come," he continued.

Lemar was a regular goalscorer in Monaco's title-winning side, finding the net nine times and providing 10 assists in a side that also featured Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Mendy.

He only managed two goals in 2017-18 as Monaco finished second but his performances were enough to persuade Atletico to sign him in a deal reported to be worth €60 million.

On his move to the Spanish capital, he added, "I'm very happy to be in Madrid and I can't wait to meet my team-mates. I want this [chapter] to start in the best possible manner. I can't wait to start."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment