Matt Doherty is determined to finish the season with ‘no regrets’ after completing his shock move to Atletico Madrid.
The Republic of Ireland wing-back sealed his switch to Spain’s top flight in a left-field transfer on deadline day.
It was initially floated as a loan, but Tottenham agreed to release Doherty from his contract and the transfer is a permanent deal until the summer.
Doherty said today: “It all happened really fast.
“But once I had notification that this was possible, it was extremely difficult for me to reject the chance to come over here and play for this club.”
And Doherty revealed he contacted England and Newcastle United fullback Kieran Trippier to get the lowdown on his new club.
Trippier had a successful two-and-a-half year spell with the Madrid giants before his switch to Newcastle.
And Doherty said: “I’m very excited, just from what I’ve heard from people like Kieran Trippier and the way the players are and how they are coached.
“He said I would really enjoy my time here. It’s going to be very interesting for me to see (a Diego Simeone) team and how they even set up for games in training.
“I always remember watching and having admiration for the way Atletico Madrid play.
“There are 19 league games left and a lot to play for. We want to finish the season as strongly as possible and see where it takes. I want to finish the season with no regrets.
“I’ve watched a lot of games live and people have texted me saying you’re going to get to play in front of those fans, which will be something special.
“I agree, it will be something special and I can’t wait.”
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