Defender confirms he turned down summer move to Atletico Madrid

During the summer, Atletico Madrid sought to sign a new right-back, and in the end, they brought in Marc Pubill from Almeria. However, he was not their first-choice option, with Jesus Areso having been above him in the pecking order of transfer targets.

Back in July, it was reported that Atleti had entered the race alongside Athletic Club to sign Areso from Osasuna, but in the end, the 26-year-old ended up at San Mames. However, he did have the option to join Los Colchoneros, as he has revealed during an interview with Diario AS.

“Yes, it’s the truth. I’m also grateful to them because it’s a great club. I’m not going to hide, but well, I decided to come here, I’m very comfortable and I think I made a good decision.”

Areso reacts to criticism of Athletic move

For the best part of a year, Athletic were interested in signing Areso, and they finally got their man in the summer. However, the defender was strongly criticised by Osasuna supporters for joining a Basque rival, and he has now given his thoughts on the backlash, which he did not pay too much attention to.

“My friends told me that I had been criticised a lot, people teased me a lot, but I really stay with those messages that are more than people think, even within the club itself. Messages also from the affectionate fans, many private messages that I have received and in which I have noticed a lot of warmth from the Osasuna fans. There are many people who told me that they understood my decision.”

Areso upbeat despite Champions League snubs

Areso was also asked about having not yet featured in the Champions League this season, with Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde having opted for Andoni Gorosabel against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

“There are also Gorosabel and Lekue, who are top-level players as they have shown here at Athletic. Gorosabel had a great campaign last season and Lekue always has great games, so it’s totally understandable. I only focus on working, and on games to come.”