Former Atletico defender Felipe Luiz recently gave an exclusive interview to Marca. During this period, Felipe unabashedly expressed his thoughts about Atletico and his former teammates, and also expressed his hope to return to Atletico in the future.
How have the last few weeks been in Brazil
Felipe: There are a lot of high-level players in this team, and there are people I've known before, so everything has become really easy for me. We have a coach from Europe in our squad but leaving Madrid I think is the saddest thing for me. The intensity of training here is high, and while it may not be as disciplined as European clubs, there are plenty of outstanding players on an individual level.
Why flamenco
Felipe: It was a long time ago because I knew I was going to be a free agent, and I said I would make a decision after the Copa America, and I made this decision together with Atletico. Some clubs could not wait and withdrew their offer to me, but Flamengo waited until the end. They have shown the utmost determination and sincerity. They had emailed me before and dreamed of playing in Brazil when I was a kid.
You've reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores and are not looking forward to winning the title
Felipe: It's like the Champions League in the Europa League, and I'm motivated because the last time Flamengo won the Copa Libertadores was back in 1981. Winning this title will make history, which is why I play football.
The level of Brazilian football is not already improving, they won the Copa America
Felipe: The level of Brazilian football is still not as good as in Europe, but brazilian players are not bad at the individual level. At the club level, some clubs are in a stable state, while others are bad and there are a lot of unfairness.
Did you suggest Juan Fran go to Brazil?
Felipe: I was surprised when he told me the news, but he wanted to come and experience Brazilian football, and the idea has been around for a long time. There is no better place in the world to experience being a pure player and meeting the challenges than Brazil.
What do you miss about Atletico
Filipe: One day when I watched Atletico against Leganes, it felt like I hadn't seen my own child or a parent in a long time. At that time, my heart was quite tormented, I made a video call, and my heart was much more comfortable. Now I can at least watch them on TV, but I miss the teammates the most. They are a group of old friends, and our friendship will last forever.
What are the memories of the Sheets Legion in your mind
FELIPE: There are too many images. From the dressing room preparations, to walking into the stadium aisles, to walking into the arena with the determination to win, the cheers of the fans were incredible. It's not the same feeling to win a title with Atletico, and the fans will show their love for you. I still remember how we felt when we won La Liga. And the feeling I had when I came back to Atletico from Chelsea. That feeling of standing on the pitch for Atletico was the most glorious era of my career.
Do you have a chance to stay another year？
FELIPE: There was such an opportunity, but we had exchanges, and everyone felt it was time to be apart. The team also has plenty of personnel reserves in that position. Until the last minute, they all respected me very much, and I will cherish this friendship at Atletico. I plan to come back to Atletico one day in the future, I didn't sell my house in Madrid because I hope to come back there one day and teach the kids to play football or do anything for the club.
What do you think of Lodi
Filipe: I watched him play recently and he gave an assist against Eibar. He was strong, young, full of desire to learn, and most importantly, humble. I think he's going to be the best left-back in Atletico's history, he has everything. Horse campaign players value not only the strength of the players, but also their quality. They didn't look at the wrong person when they chose Lodi.
Compared to the Atletico team you played for, has this team ever gotten any better?
Felipe: Technically, yes, they took a step forward. Now they can play well when they have the ball, but they still need to keep improving because they are still young, they can get stronger, and in certain moments, they will be tested.
Do they have a chance to win La Liga this year?
Felipe: In terms of the start to the new season, yes. They are already five points ahead of Real Madrid and Barca. It is also the most solid team in the league at present. The team defended well and a good start was the foundation. We didn't start last season, and when Real Madrid and Barca scored 90 points, it was difficult to win the title.
What to think about Griezmann's departure
Felipe: I can understand that he's been there for a lot of years and wants some new challenges, he's done a lot for Atletico and the club's investment in him has paid off. Being in one place for a long time can become comfortable and unmotivated, so we can all understand his departure and remember his beautiful moments.
Do Atletico players enjoy the game?
Of course. We play the game knowing we're going to win. We defend as a whole and the running will be less. Overall, when you keep winning, you feel like your efforts have paid off and you're only frustrated when you don't win, but I enjoyed playing at Atletico and enjoying the fun of playing.
Does Neymar want to go to Barcelona?
FELIPE: I don't know. I hope this is true, because if it weren't, his name wouldn't have been brought up every day for the past two months. But leaving Paris is not easy because they generally don't sell players. Since saying he was going to stay in the squad, I think he's calm and he can develop well in Paris. They have Mbappe, Icardi and Cavani in their squad, and it is important for them to win some honours.
As far as football is concerned, what else do you pursue and how to satisfy
Filipe: The challenge now is to enjoy the game as much as possible when I play football, and I will try to do what Baldano told me: to make the most of the fun of football.
(Editor: Yao Fan)