Saul Niguez has revealed that Chelsea have promised him to play him in his favoured position at Stamford Bridge following his loan move from Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniard sealed a Deadline Day loan to Stamford Bridge at the 11th hour – despite complications over a deal sheet threatening to put off the transfer late on.
Saul, who can be signed for £30 permanently at the end of the season, is naturally a central midfielder, but he has been played as a defensive midfielder in recent times and even at left-back on occasion under Diego Simeone last term.
The 25-year-old hopes his move to Chelsea will get his career back on track having fallen out of favour last term due to Rodrigo de Paul’s emergence at the Wanda Metropolitano
And it looks as though he will be playing in his best position due to a promise made to him by the club.
“Chelsea has promised me to train in my position, to play we will see,” Saul told The Mirror. “To return to certain customs that I do not do now, that is the most important reason for my decision.
“The three midfielders who are playing are at a high level, it will not be easy to play, but if I put my mind to it and fight it, I can get it.
“I’ll give it a try and see what happens. Give it my all and help Chelsea so that he [Tuchel] can see the Saúl I want to show. Not just a versatile player. They promised me that I would play in my position. It was very important.”
The no.17 shirt is currently vacant at Chelsea and Saul hinted this could be his new shirt having worn this number in his early Atletico days.
“It’s a number I had at Atletico Madrid, it’s a number I like,” said the Spaniard. “I had it at Atletico. I had it in my early days.”
Meanwhile, on the pedigree of club he’s joining, Saul added: “They are the Champions of Europe. It’s very positive for me. My parents can’t believe it. They are Atletico fans! It’s a great opportunity for me, they are happy for me.
“They are a fantastic team in the Premier League. I don’t speak English, I want to learn it. I know how to say what my name is! That’s it.”