Atlético closes its presentations with Pubill and his versatility to "play wherever Simeone asks" and with Hancko and his "love for the club."

Atlético de Madrid continues to announce its new signings in pairs as it attempts to focus on the new season's objectives, which range from "fighting for everything" to "winning titles," according to the players speaking in the Riyadh Air Metropolitano press room. "I'm here to enjoy myself, help out, and with everyone's goal in mind: winning titles, which is also mine," Marc Pubill said.

This Thursday, it was Pubill and David Hancko 's turn, two new reinforcements for the Atlético de Madrid defense, which, along with Ruggeri , could almost completely revamp its lineup if we add Le Normand , who arrived just a year ago. With them, the presentation process is over for now, although summer is still a long way off and names are still being bandied about for Atlético de Madrid.

Former Almería full-back Marc Pubill was the first to step into the role, along with the club's president, Enrique Cerezo . The U21 international arrives to reinforce the right wing, although Cholo has already tested him as a right-back in a five-man defence due to his great height, which allows him to compete for high balls, and his good ball output. "I've played as a centre-back and I feel comfortable, I have no problem playing whatever the boss asks of me," the Catalan added.

He'll have plenty of competition for his position, given that Llorente is starting on the right wing, and it seems that Nahuel Molina 's departure has been put on hold, despite his departure seeming certain after the end of last season. "I'm here to help, contribute, and do whatever the manager asks of me," said the defender, who noted that Simeone is exactly what he imagined: "very hard-working and demanding."

Pubill joins Atlético after winning Olympic gold in Paris 2024 and competing in the European Championship with Santi Denia's Spain this summer, which unfortunately lost to England in the quarterfinals. The defender from Tarrasa was one of the best players on the Spanish team and even scored a goal in the first match of the championship.

The defender, who will wear the number 18, said he had "many offers," but when the one from Atlético arrived, "he didn't hesitate" and ordered his agents to accept it. As some of his teammates have expressed, he also stated that he is "fulfilling a dream" and has repeatedly mentioned the idea of "winning titles."

Another debuting country

Later, it was David Hancko's turn, the first Slovak to wear the red and white jersey in history, just as Johnny Cardoso, the American who inaugurated the red and white tradition for that country, did on Wednesday. "I'm very happy to be part of a club like this. I've worked hard for it and I never imagined it would be possible," he said in his opening statement.

A player who already knows what it's like to play at the Metropolitano. He did so with Feyenoord, where he scored, although the match ended up being won by Atlético Madrid. "The memories of the game are sad, but I'm happy to be back in this stadium," said a player who has coached with Arne Slot and Robin Van Persie , and now it's Simeone 's turn, "one of the best coaches in the world," according to the Slovakian, who recounted an anecdote about a photo he took with the Argentine in 2018 when he met him at a Fiorentina match where the coach's eldest son was playing.

Atlético Madrid already sought to sign him last year, but it fell through, and the defender, who will wear the number 17 shirt, noted that "in his career, everything takes time." He says he doesn't arrive as "a young and promising player" but rather as one "with experience." He also notes that he already feels "love for the club."