Sassuolo right-back Sime Vrsaljko has revealed he would prefer to join Atletico Madrid over Napoli and is ‘optimistic’ a deal will be concluded.
Vrsaljko, 24, will leave Sassuolo this summer after impressing for the Neroverdi last season with two of Europe’s biggest clubs chasing his signature.
Napoli had agreed a fee for the Croatia international but the full-back has snubbed their interest in favour of joining Atletico, who have reportedly agreed a five-year deal worth an initial £12.6m.
“Right from the first moment that this possibility started to take shape, I told Sassuolo management that Atletico Madrid was the only club I wanted to join,” Vrsaljko told Sportske Novosti, via ESPN.
“I also told them I don’t want to go to Napoli even though a transfer was all agreed.
“I can say, at least for what I know, that Atletico and Sassuolo should close the deal. I am optimistic.”
Vrsaljko was an ever present in the Sassuolo outfit that achieved Europa League football for next season. No defender picked up more WhoScored man of the match awards in Serie A than Vrsaljko last season (4).
For more stats on Sime Vrsaljko, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
