Atletico Madrid Champions League loss already forgotten

One year after ending a brief one-season stint at Chelsea, Filipe Luis is glad he has returned to Atletico Madrid, the club he identifies with.

The Brazilian, who never earned Jose Mourinhos trust at Stamford Bridge, is a cornerstone in Diego Simeones project in the Spanish capital.

The 30-year-old sat down with MARCA to discuss Atleticos values and the Champions League final among other things.

Have you recovered mentally from the Champions League final last season?

"Ive definitely left that behind.

"Its easier to accept disappointments for a veteran player like me.

"Not only that, but my ambition is through the roof right now, I want to keep winning titles."

Simeone struggled to get over that loss against your biggest rivals, how was it for you?

"Losing a final is obviously the hardest thing in a players career.

"However I eventually came to the conclusion that we had an outstanding season, reaching the Champions League final and obtaining 88 points in the Primera Division.

"Once I put on my Brazil jersey at Copa America Centenario training camp I had forgotten the frustration of the outcome of the match in Milan."

Wasnt it especially painful to lose both times [2014 and 2016] to Real?

"We lost to the toughest team to beat in that competition, as their 11 titles can attest."

Is the ambition you mentioned before what drove you to return early from your holidays?

"I feel like I struggle to catch up with my teammates intensity whenever I join the training regime later than the rest.

"Thus, I decided to come back sooner than expected to keep fighting for a spot in the starting line-up, which is never guaranteed in a club of this magnitude."

Should we expect an even better version of Filipe Luis then?

"I hope I can play at the same level I ended the 2015/16 campaign.

"Our squad has taken a step forward with the reinforcements but we need to keep making the difference with our conditioning."

Has Simeone made you a better player?

"Hes pushed me to give my best level day in and day out.

"Hes the first to point out any tiny mistake I may commit on any given day.

"Nobodys spot is safe if the performance is not consistently excellent."

Do you share Simeones opinion that winning is the most important thing in football?

"Absolutely.

"Weve won matches that we probably didnt deserve to have won, but weve always had a clear mind-set prioritising the team as a whole over any individual."

You only lasted one season at Chelsea. Why the urgency to return to Atletico?

"I had an exceptional experience in England.

"I tested myself in the Premier League and won two titles but I never felt at home.

"On the other hand, I can proudly say that I currently play for the club I love, for its values and its jersey.

"I can even put myself in Koke's place, although hes played here since he was a kid."

Why do some ex-Atletico players (Arda Turan, Falcao, Diego Costa...) find it hard to succeed in a different team?

"I think victory tastes better at Atletico.

"When you jump on the pitch, you know that if you manage to win the match, two or three days full of happiness await you."

Is Atleticos defence, including Jan Oblak, the best in the world?

"I cant deny we have a great defence.

"Weve been very fortunate with the goalkeepers weve had here: Thibaut Courtois and Oblak.

"Its been a pleasure to have played alongside the best keepers in the world.

"Moreover, our centre-backs Diego Godin, Stefan Savic, Jose Maria Gimenez and Lucas Hernandez all make my job easier."