Atletico Madrid star, Kieran Trippier has come out to say that it has been difficult to escape the Wayne Rooney nickname given to him by team-mate, Diego Costa.
He said he is referred to as Rooney now even if it all started as a joke from Costa.
He added that despite that, he is loving every moment in Spain since his move from Spurs.
His words, “It’s just because I’m the only English player here and Rooney’s the only one he’s heard of; it could have been anything,”
“He just calls me that because it’s the first name that came into his mind. And everywhere I go, they shout Rooney. When I warm up, everyone’s shouting it. Everyone. I have Diego to thank for this. Of all the names.”
On life at Atletico, “I’m enjoying my football again,”
“I spoke to Fernando [Llorente] and Toby Alderweireld about La Liga and they said I’d really enjoy it so I thought: ‘Grab it with both hands.’
“I heard people saying it was a risk, there were a few warnings, but it didn’t scare me. I thought this was a great opportunity. When I first spoke to my wife it was a bit of a shock.
“The language will take time. I’ve just got to be patient. I just want them to know I’m trying. I couldn’t have asked for a better group.
“The most important thing is I’m enjoying my football. I’ve come to a different league, different surroundings, different culture, everything. Maybe the new challenge has woken me up.
“It was there to see last season that sometimes my concentration was lacking. Sometimes it led to goals, I know that.
“I’ve said many times over the last 16 months my defending needs to improve. People questioned the move but it was the perfect team. If I play for Cholo [Diego Simeone], I know defensively I can improve.”
