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Atletico Madrid star Javi Galan has opened up on a key act from Diego Simeone which saved his career.
Galan arrived in the Spanish capital in 2023, following an eye-catching campaign at Celta Vigo, as he emerged as one of La Liga’s top left backs.
However, the switch to Los Rojiblancos did not ignite, as injuries and struggles to adapt to Simeone’s style, caused issues for the Badajoz-born defender.
A mixed spell on loan at Real Sociedad last season placed his career at a crossroads over the summer as he faced a crucial call to decide his future.
La Real were unwilling to meet a €12m asking price and links to Turkey were treated as a back up option by Galan.
Despite the prospect of playing a squad role back in Madrid, Galan rejected offers to move away, as he wanted to prove himself to Simeone.
The 29-year-old’s versatility forced him back into Simeone’s plans and he revealed just how close he came to leaving.
As per reports from Relevo, he claimed to be “three quarters of the way out of the club”, but Simeone’s open praise of him, in front of the squad, convinced him over an enduring role.