Despite ending his eight years as an Atletico Madrid player this past summer, Filipe Luis is still a follower of the Rojiblancos.

Now back in his native Brazil, the full-back tries to tune in to watch his former side whenever possible.

The ex-Atleti and Chelsea player sat down with MARCA for an interview.

How have these weeks been in Brazil?

Everything has been made easy for me because this team has a high level. There are a lot of high-quality players and I already knew some of my teammates. We have a European coach, but what has cost me the most has been having to leave Madrid. I'm surprised by the intensity of the training here. Things aren't as orderly as in Europe, but individually there's a good group of players here.

How and why did you sign for Flamengo?

It was long ago, because I knew I'd be free. I said I'd make the decision after the Copa America and I had a decision with Atleti so we could decide together and I let time pass. Some clubs withdrew their offers for me, but Flamengo waited until the end. They showed the most interest and affection. They wrote to me despite not knowing me yet and I'd dreamt of playing in Brazil since I was a child. Not everyone understands the greatness of this club, but when I travel 200 metres to bring my children to school, there's not one person who doesn't speak to me.

You're already in the semi-finals. Were you especially motivated by the prospect of winning the Copa Libertadores?

It's like the Champions League. It was motivation because Flamengo have only won one and that was in 1981. To win the Libertadores would be making history and that's why I play football.

Is Brazilian football seeing a resurgence? They also won the Copa America.

It's still well below Europe, but not individually. It's the country with the most players playing in the Champions League. Some clubs have a stable situation, but others are very bad. There's a lot of inequality.

Did you recommend Brazil to Juanfran?

I was surprised when he told me, but he wanted to come and experience it. It had always been his intention. To feel like a footballer and live a challenge there's nowhere better in the world than here.

What do you miss about Atletico?

The other day I was watching against Leganes and it's like when I haven't seen my children or parents for a long time. I suffer, but I made a video call and feel a little relieved. At least I can watch them on television, but what I most miss are my teammates. They were a good group of friends and I made friendships there that will last.

What remains of your Rojiblancos past?

I have a lot of images in my mind. Most have to do with the dressing room, walking out of the tunnel, walking onto the pitch knowing you'll win. The celebrations were incredible. I think it's different to win titles with Atleti, people show you a lot of love. I remember the LaLiga [Santander] that we won. And when I came back from Chelsea. That was the best year of my career because of how I felt on the pitch.

Could you have stayed for another year?

I could have, but we spoke and everyone decided it was time to separate. The team are well covered in that position as well. I value the way they treated me until the last minute. I plan to return, I haven't even rented my house in Madrid because one day I want to go back and help coach the kids or anything at the club.

What do you think about Renan Lodi?

I've seen him play a bit lately and he gave an assist against Eibar. He's strong, he's young and he wants to learn. More than anything, he's humble. I think he'll be the best full-back in their history. He has all it takes to be. The club don't only want talented players but also those with great human qualities. They've succeeded with Lodi.

Do Atletico have a better team than the one you left?

On a technical level, yes. They've taken a leap. They play well with the ball now but they have to prove it because they're younger and have more physical strength, but at some stage they'll be tested.

Do they have more of a chance to win LaLiga Santander this year?

Looking at how they've started, yes. They're already five points ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona. They're the most solid team for now. The defence is good and a good start is fundamental. Last year we started badly, but it's hard because Madrid and Barcelona will get 90 points.

What does Antoine Griezmann's exit do?

I understood it. He'd been there for a few years and wanted something knew. He gave a lot to Atleti and returned everything the club invested in him. Being at the same place for a long time can lead to comfort that no longer motivates, so we all understood him and remember him fondly.

Do Atletico players enjoy playing?

Of course. We had games we knew we were going to win. When you defend in a block you have to run less. Above all, you win games and always see that the effort is rewarded. We didn't enjoy it when we didn't win, that hurts, but I was tremendously happy playing for Atletico.

Did Neymar want to go to Barcelona?

I don't know. I want to believe he did, because if he didn't then his name wouldn't have been heard every day for two months. But leaving Paris Saint-Germain isn't easy because they don't usually sell. I see him as being calm since saying he'd stay. He can develop at PSG. They also have [Kylian] Mbappe, [Mauro] Icardi and [Edinson] Cavani. It's important that they win something.

What have you left to achieve in football? How would you be satisfied?

I live with the challenge of feeling good when play. I know that I'll never have this pressure again and I'll try to do what [Jorge] Valdano told me to: to squeeze every last drop out of football.