La Liga club president is also confident that the best is yet to come from last summer’s great signing Joao Felix
Jan Oblak is a “period” for the Atletico Madrid player and the best is yet to come from Joao Felix, says Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.
Oblak’s future has been speculated with the Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea connected in a move for the goalkeeper.
Chelsea have already jumped out to sign Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, while Kai Havertz is also said to be approaching.
The Blues are said to be looking for a new goalkeeper after a disappointing campaign for Kepa Arrizabalaga, while David de Gea’s form at United has been the subject of a closer examination.
Oblak, who saw his four-season streak at the Zamora Trophy – awarded to the best La Liga goalkeeper – concluded by Thibaut Courtois, proved to be one of the best in the world for six years at the Athletes.
Cerezo is firmly convinced that the Slovenian national team will remain at the Wanda Metropolitano, even when it was pointed out that he once made similar assurances about Antoine Griezmann, who moved to Barcelona.
“I always say that Oblak has a contract with Atletico and is the best goalkeeper in the world. It is not strange that he has offers from other great teams,” he said Brand.
“I say the same as always. Oblak has a contract, he is an Atletico player, period. We have many players, our team is the main asset of the club. Oblak is a magnificent player and in his position, without a doubt, there is no is nobody to beat him now.
“For me, Oblak – and I speak as an amateur – is the best goalkeeper in the world. As for Courtois, he is another great goalkeeper of those in the world and luckily, they both played for us and with both of us we have been champions in many trophies “.
Cerezo also discussed Joao Felix’s debut campaign, which reached an agreement of 126 million euros (£ 115 million / $ 148 million) from Benfica last July to replace Griezmann.
The Portugal forward was one of the most sought after prospects in world football, but he only scored six goals and contributed an assist in 27 appearances for La Liga.
Cerezo remains convinced that the 20-year-old will reach his undoubted promise and believes that Joao Felix will particularly appreciate the competition in the delayed Champions League, which will be played as a knockout tournament in Lisbon from the quarterfinals.
“It wasn’t easy for him because it was the first season, he came with wonderful expectations and I think he really met her,” added Cerezo.
“We are all happy with the performance of Joao Felix. I think it won’t be a promise for next season, it will be a fact. I hope that in these Champions League matches it’s really evident how great a footballer is.
“I think he is very excited and happy that he will play in Lisbon. You have to think that he is 20 years old, he is a player with a promising future and that we are indisputably proud to have signed him.”
Diego Simeone’s men are expected to beat RB Leipzig in the past eight, but Cerezo, who saw the Athletes defeat Liverpool holders in the previous round, warned that there is no “logic” in football.
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“According to what they say, what beats the European champion is the champion and we have eliminated them. Logically, we should be champions,” said Cerezo.
“Everyone is happy with Leipzig, I think it was a good result of the tournament and we can certainly be in the semifinal, but from what I say to what happens there is a difference for or against.
“I think we have to be there by logic, but who has logic in football?”
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