Cardenas open to Atlético Mineiro stay

Atlético Mineiro’s Colombia midfielder Sherman Cárdenas says he wants to stay with the Minas Gerais club, despite an underwhelming first season with Galo. Cárdenas was signed from Colombian club Atlético Nacional after an inspired performance against Atlético in the 2014 Copa Libertadores, but he has struggled to adapt to life in Brazil, starting only 3 […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-11-07 22:39:00

Atlético Mineiro’s Colombia midfielder Sherman Cárdenas says he wants to stay with the Minas Gerais club, despite an underwhelming first season with Galo. Cárdenas was signed from Colombian club Atlético Nacional after an inspired performance against Atlético in the 2014 Copa Libertadores, but he has struggled to adapt to life in Brazil, starting only 3 matches this season.

The slightly built Cárdenas has suffered with the physical side of the game and has been kept out of the team by the likes of Giovanni Augusto and Jesus Dátolo. Cárdenas is on loan with Atlético until the end of the year when he is widely expected to rejoin Nacional. However, the Colombian schemer says he would be open to stay in Belo Horizonte for longer.

"I do not think of frustration, because I haven’t had the continuity for the fans to evaluate me. When I arrived, I had no preseason, I had to physically adapt at Atletico and, like everyone, I tried to seek opportunities to show my football, “he said.

“I played very little and just did not get the time in the team that I wanted. I had several matches, but only for a few minutes, which is difficult for all players. But I was always quiet, always working and that is important, always respecting the decision of the coach. I have to keep improving and learning."

Cárdenas suggests that his family is settled in Brazil too, "There is one month left [of his loan deal] and in a month many things can happen. My registration belongs to Atlético Nacional and it is they who I have to speak with. But I"m calm, very happy in Belo Horizonte, my family is as well. The group treats me very well; it is a very united group. But if you ask me now if I want to stay, I would."