Felipe: It doesn't matter how much I cost, I still have to prove my worth on the pitch LaLiga Atletico's most expensive defender

It took Felipe Monteiro a little longer than most to reach his best in football. At 21 he decided to commit himself to the game; at 27 he made the step to Europe; and now, at 30, he's become the most expensive defender in Atletico Madrid's history.

Already getting to work at Los Angeles de San Rafael, the centre-back is starting to settle into life as a Rojiblanco player.

Felipe took some time out at the Segovia Sierra Hotel to sit and speak with MARCA about his time at the club so far.

How have your first days at Atletico been? Very good. I'm integrating into the group. We're working hard and need to continue [working]. Is this pre-season really hard? A little, but I think all of them are. It's important to do it to maintain your level for the rest of the year. Pre-seasons at Atletico have a reputation for being difficult. Have you suffered here? They're different, and everyone has their own way of working. I always suffer, I don't have a quiet day, but you have to work hard to strengthen your head too. Which teammate has surprised you the most? Diego Costa gives a different impression when he plays, but he's always in a good mood and makes jokes, which has surprised me a lot. You've finally met Diego Simeone. How is he? He's someone who dedicates himself completely to his work. He's got maximum commitment. He's very intelligent and talks a lot with us, but he's also very demanding.

What do you think of Simeone as a coach? He was very intelligent as a player and had the trait of always wanting to improve. Now he tries to do that with the group. Simeone usually improves all of his players. I'm clear that I'll evolve. Regardless of my age, I've got a lot to learn from him. He seems like a great person. For people who don't know you, what are you like as a player? I'm an aggressive player, characterised by my speed. I've worked a lot since I was a child and it's helped that I played volleyball and basketball. But I'll have to prove myself on the pitch.

How do you see the title fight in Spain with Real Madrid and Barcelona? It's good to fight with them. They're top teams who always fight for titles. We'll have to do our best to achieve our goals. Does it weigh on you to be the most expensive defender in the club's history? It's not something I think about. It doesn't matter if they paid two, three, 20 or 50 million euros. I still have to show my worth on the pitch.