Filipe Luís has discussed the importance of Atlético Madrid as he gets set for a switch to the Premier League with Chelsea.
It was confirmed yesterday that the two clubs had agreed a fee for the Brazilian full back and it is only a matter of time before Filipe Luís departs for England.
The 28-year-old spoke to AS and told them about why he has only choosen to speak about his future now, and not previously.
Football Espana quoted Filipe Luís, he said: "I have seen people annoyed in recent months because I didn’t say anything.
"But I thought if I spoke I could damage my image and especially the club.
"My decision was to talk when it was all over. I might have been wrong. But that was my decision."
The Brazilian believes many players that have left Atlético this summer also wanted to try a different league but he backed his replacement to do a good job.
Filipe Luís said: "The club will always remain and players will come and go. The club and the fans remain.
"There were players who were not the property of Atlético, players whose contracts ended…there are players like me who wanted to change League.
"I’ve always liked Chelsea. I’ve left but [Guilherme] Siqueira will do as well or better."
