American midfielder Johnny Cardoso expressed his enthusiasm to “evolve and learn” under the direction of Diego Simeone after being presented as an Atlético de Madrid player. The footballer was confident that his new team will compete for titles against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The signing of Cardoso, 23 years old, from Real Betis, was confirmed at the beginning of this month. The player signed a five-year contract with the Colchonero club.
The Madrid club has had a busy summer in the transfer market, incorporating Cardoso, offensive midfielders Álex Baena and Thiago Almada, and defenders Dávid Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri and Marc Pubill.
It’s a dream come true to be here, experiencing this with my family. It’s a huge club that has the same ambition as me.
Cardoso, during his presentation at the Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday, also added:
It’s a privilege to be with all the staff and especially with Simeone. He played in my position, and I’m ready to evolve and learn from him.
Born in New Jersey, to Brazilian parents and with an Italian passport, Cardoso does not occupy a non-EU player spot in Simeone’s team.
At Atlético, he will wear the number 5 jersey, left vacant by Rodrigo De Paul, who went to Inter Miami.Johnny Cardoso durante su presentación en el estadio Metropolitano del Atlético de Madrid.Cardoso expressed his confidence in the club’s project. “We have the same hopes, to keep growing and win titles,” he stated. “It’s a team that has incorporated many players, many young players, to mix them with experience. We play in many competitions and we have the total conviction of being able to fight for all of them.”
Atlético seeks to improve its performance in the 2024-25 season, where they finished third in LaLiga and were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and in the round of 16 of the Champions League. In the Club World Cup they were eliminated in the group stage.
Cardoso believes his new team, which began the preseason last week, has a squad capable of competing with the giants Madrid and Barça.
We are all on the same level. Atleti is a very big team… Simeone has been showing me things from the beginning, I am learning a lot. It’s going to be a special season.
Johnny Cardoso
Cardoso debuted for the United States national team in 2020 against Wales. He has 22 international appearances, winning the CONCACAF Nations League in 2023 and 2024.
Cardoso had to withdraw from Mauricio Pochettino’s Concacaf Nations League squad in March due to a muscle injury.
