Marcos Llorente: Morata encouraged me to join Atletico and said I'd be happy here LaLiga Hopes to be an important player for Simeone

Marcos Llorente made a big move across the Spanish capital this summer as he joined Atletico Madrid from Real Madrid and he can't wait to get to work under Diego Simeone, after being helped to make the move by Alvaro Morata.

Morata previously moved to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano from Chelsea, having joined the London side from Los Blancos, and he encouraged the midfielder to follow in his footsteps.

Llorente sat with MARCA to discuss the switch and his time at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Are you prepared for pre-seasons under Prof Ortega in Los Angeles de San Rafael?

"Yes," he said laughing, "I've heard a lot about his demands. I firmly believe that work and effort are essential to achieving goals and it's something Atletico have shown for a long time. I haven't stopped working during my holiday and I arrive here with a lot of desire."

How happy were you to sign for Atletico?

"I'm very happy and very excited. I'm facing a new stage of my career with a lot of enthusiasm. I'm where I want to be."

Had you many offers? Was it costly for you to join Atletico?

"I kept to the side of the negotiations and wasn't involved in the day-to-day conversations. But when my uncle [also his agent] told me of Atletico's offer I immediately said that's where I wanted to go."

You've barely had a chance to settle in, but how have you found your new club?

"It'd be very daring to talk about a club where I've just arrived. I can only speak of what I've seen these last few days, but it's a club who have bet on me and that's been sown since the beginning. I said from the beginning that I wanted an ambitious project that would allow me to continue growing and fighting to major honours, and for the club to have confidence in me. At Atletico I have all of that."

Have you spoken to Alvaro Morata?

"Yes, I exchanged messages with him. He encouraged me to come and told me I'd be very happy here."

And Diego Simeone? What did he say?

"He welcomed me but didn't go into much detail."

Do you know how important a role you'll play for Atletico?

"I think my position is becoming more important in every team. We have a lot of work before the season starts and I'm excited to put myself at their disposal."

Players tend to have difficulty settling into Simeone's Atleti.

"I'm here to work my hardest and fight for a place. If you're honest with your effort and you make sacrifices, sooner or later things happen."

You've been very ambitious in taking the No.14 of Simeone, Gabi and Rodrigo...

"I'm aware that the number has history here and I'm proud to wear it, but I'm here to make my own path and leave my own mark."

Do you feel pressure seeing players who have played at Atletico in your position recently?

"When you arrive at a team like this you know the shirt has been worn by great players and you have to do your best to meet the demands of the crest, fans and history of the club."

You said in your presentation that it's not normal to move from Madrid to Atletico. Nobody has done it since 2006, why do you think you have?

"Atleti showed confidence in me, gave me support and the chance to be part of a big project. It's not normal, but I don't think it should be given importance. I don't deny my part, I've spent many years at Real Madrid, I've learnt a lot and it will always be part of my history. But now I'm at Atletico to continue growing and to help the club achieve its goals."

Was Zinedine Zidane clear about not having plans for you? You were one of the first players he spoke to along with Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos.

"It doesn't help to keep looking at the past. Madrid is part of my history and career, but now I'm starting a new stage and I want to think about the exciting present and future that I have before me."

Do you think that you were unfairly treated at Madrid?

"I can't say a bad word about Madrid. I'll always have fond memories, but now I'm focused on my team and giving everything from the first day."

Are you leaving with a clear conscience having given everything?

"Absolutely. I'm more or less satisfied with the numbers, but not with my involvement. I left with a calm conscience."

It's not been easy for you these past two seasons. You've had few opportunities and when you broke through you had an injury before the coach who trusted you got sacked.

"I'm convinced that all experiences leave a mark on you and you should take advantage of them by learning. Moments of difficulty are great opportunities to learn and strengthen."

How have your family been with this step?

?"My family and friends have been very supportive. They're always there for me in the good and, above all, bad times."

Your father did the opposite move in 1986/87. Has he advised you?

"As I said in my presentation, he's a man of few words, but deep. He rarely gives me football advice but he has spoken about work, effort and attitude."

Have you received a farewell message for your former colleagues?

"I've exchanged messages with several of them. I've left behind great teammates with whom I shared beautiful moments."