Ivo Grbic has offered an indication as to why he turned down West Bromwich Albion, admitting to Atletico Madrid’s official website that the chance to join ‘one of the biggest clubs in the world’ was one he could not ignore.
While Baggies boss Slaven Bilic will be disappointed to miss out on a man he publicly named as a transfer target this week (IndexHR), even he will understand why his fellow Croatian chose Madrid over the Midlands.
Things are looking up for West Brom again with Bilic leading an exciting, youthful squad of players back into the Premier League after two seasons away.
But Atletico are on a different level altogether, even if the days of competing for domestic and continental glory under Diego Simeone feel a long time ago now.
“I am very happy. My dream has come true. I have come to Madrid and I will play for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” says Grbic, who signed a four-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitano and replaces Antonio Adan as Jan Oblak’s deputy.
“Atletico is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I watched all their games this season. I like coach Simeone and the character of the team. My favorite players in Atletico’s history are Forlan and Fernando Torres, and today Jan Oblak.
“All my dreams have come true. I will learn from one of the best goalkeepers in the world. For me, he is the best.”
Marca claimed last week that Grbic had turned down an offer from West Brom in favour of the 2014 La Liga champions and, a few days later, Goal shed more light on the situation.
They say that West Brom had even made an offer but Atletico hijacked the deal at the speed of sound, agreeing a £5 million fee for one of Europe’s up-and-coming shot-stoppers.
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