Cristhian Mosquera has confirmed Atletico Madrid made contact before he joined Arsenal, speaking ahead of the Champions League semi-final.
Cristhian Mosquera has revealed that Atletico Madrid made contact to sign him before his move to Arsenal, ahead of the two sides meeting in the Champions League semi-final.
Speaking to AS, the defender confirmed there had been early interest from the Spanish club during 2024, before Arsenal completed a deal with Valencia in the summer.
Mosquera said. “My agent is the one who takes care of all the issues related to my future… but it is true that there was some contact with Atlético.”
Mosquera has since settled quickly in north London, featuring across the back line as Mikel Arteta’s side compete for both the Premier League title and the Champions League.
Looking ahead to the semi-final, the 21-year-old made clear that the squad’s focus has remained internal despite the external pressure surrounding the club’s position in both competitions.
“Inside the locker room we are calm and confident that our work is going to give that reward that we want,” he said. “It’s time to come out on top and get that personality… with the maximum attitude.”
He also echoed Arteta’s message around pressure, rejecting the idea that the current situation should be seen negatively.
“We hear the word pressure a lot, but it’s not pressure at all,” Mosquera said. “It’s really an opportunity that we want to make history with this club.”
Arsenal head into the tie after returning to the top of the Premier League with victory over Newcastle, while maintaining an unbeaten run in Europe this season. Mosquera pointed to that position as a reflection of the team’s progress.
“We are privileged to be here, but we have earned being alive in both and are fighting to win them,” he said.
Despite having already beaten Atletico earlier in the campaign, Mosquera insisted there would be no sense of complacency.
“Atleti is Atleti,” he said. “They are always going to make it difficult for you… it’s going to be a very difficult playoff.”
The defender also highlighted the importance of Arsenal’s approach across both legs, with the first taking place in Madrid.
“We are going to the Metropolitan with the idea of winning,” he said.
The tie now brings together a player who could have taken a different path, but instead returns to face the club that once showed interest, with a place in the Champions League final at stake.