"I understood Griezmann's departure, he was no longer motivated at Atletico"

In comments given to 'Marca', Flamengo's new signing Filipe Luis wanted to talk about how he is now as well as his old club, Atletico Madrid. 

"They are making it all really easy for me because this team is really good. The players are quality, I already knew some of them and we have a European coach. The most difficult thing for me was to leave Madrid. 

His target at Flamengo is clear: "The Copa Libertadores is like the Champions League, it makes us motivated because Flamengo have only won it once, back in 1981. Winning the tournament would make history for the rest of my life in Brazil. That's why I play football."

Filipe Luis also gave his opinion on Griezmann's move to Barcelona: I understood his departure, he had been at Atletico for many years and he wanted to try something new. He gave us a lot while at Atletico, Being in the same place for a long time can make you feel too comfortable and he was no longer motivated. So we all understood him and we should remember him with lots of affection, he was the best out of everyone."

On his memories at Atletico, he explained: "I have lots of images in my head. The majority of them are to do with the dressing room, walking through the stadium tunnel, the feeling of going out onto the pitch knowing that you are going to win. The celebrations at Neptune were incredible, I think winning titles for Atletico is very different, people want to show lots of affection towards you. The best was the La Liga title we won. And when I returned from Chelsea. That was the best year of my life because of how I was feeling on the field of play. 

Finally, he spoke about his compatriot Neymar and his desire to go back to Barca: "I don't know if he really wanted to return, I want to think so, because if not, his name wouldn't have been mentioned every day for two months. It's not easy to leave PSG though and they do not usually sell. I think he is calm inside after saying he will stay in Paris. It's very difficult to have an uncertain futurue for so much time. It's important they win something and for Neymar to be himself again.