Matt Doherty has told Mundo Deportivo that Kieran Trippier played a role in his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid in January – saying that what he had heard from the Newcastle United star helped convince him.
Doherty, 31, was one of the surprises of January’s deadline day. Many had expected him to join Atletico Madrid on a loan deal but a FIFA rule preventing more than eight overseas loans meant that he had to leave Spurs permanently.
Spurs already had Djed Spence, Joe Rodon, Gio Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks, Bryan Gil, Sergio Reguilon and Destiny Udogie out on loan, abroad. So, Doherty’s contract – which had 18 months left to run – was terminated.
It has seen him join Diego Simeone’s side on a permanent basis, but only until the end of the current season. He is yet to make his debut for Atleti, remaining an unused sub in the three games he has been available for, under Simeone.
“Just from what I’ve heard from people like Kieran Trippier. I am very excited. With the way in which he said that Simeone trains and the players play, I realized that I would really have fun here,” Doherty told Mundo Deportivo.
Doherty: Trippier played role in move from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid
Trippier enjoyed huge success at Atletico Madrid, under Simeone. In two and a half years at Atletico – having left Spurs for the Spanish club – the England defender clocked up 86 games. He helped his side win the La Liga title in 20-21.
Whether Doherty has that same level of success remains to be seen. But, first of all, he needs to break his way into the team and then, his future needs to be sorted out given he is only contracted until the end of the current campaign.
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