Madrid Dec 31 (IANS) Victor Machin of Spain better known as Vitolo and countryman Diego Costa were presented as new footballers for Atletico Madrid at the capital club s Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Sunday.
Although Atletico signed both during the summer they were not able to join their new club immediately due to a FIFA ban that prevented the Spanish club from registering new players reports Efe.
"During the last few years Atletico has been fighting with the biggest (teams) that s why I am joining them " Vitolo said at a press conference.
"(Atletico) has reached the final of the Champions (League) and won the league title prevailing over Barça and Real Madrid which are virtually the winners. I think the club has improved a lot during these last few years " he added.
Vitolo confirmed that he had recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in November during his loan to Las Palmas.
He stressed the importance of competing with the other players for a place in the starting line-up regarding it as a foundation for Atletico s success.
Costa meanwhile said he was looking forward to playing in competitive matches after three months of practice.
"I have waited for a long time. I have waited for as long as I had to. I have been training looking forward to the moment I will return to playing " Costa said.
"I want to play already I am tired of that much training " Costa said after returning to his former club following a three-season spell at Chelsea.
He asserted that he was in better shape now than when he settled his departure from Chelsea in September.
--IANS
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