His name has been one of the pillars of this Atlético champion in 2020-21. Stefan Savic's. The 30-year-old Montenegrin center-back who has been Simeone's most used field footballer and the efficiency made person, although it was missing in the last appointment, the final one in Valladolid, due to the accumulation of yellows. He has now given an interview to the Montenegrin daily Vijesti, in which he reviews the season and the title achieved. He defines it clearly: “For me it is a greater feat than winning the Champions League”. “I have said it many times, I think it is more difficult to win it. We are not even aware of the success we have had, of being better in the championship, in 38 games, than Barcelona and Real Madrid. It is a feat.” A feat in which he has been instrumental. “I have always believed that the time would come to appreciate what I do and how I do it. And it came, but I keep going“.
SOCCER 20/21 Saúl and Savic in an Atlético training session in 2020-21.
PEPE ANDRES (DAILY AS)
Leaders for almost the entire championship
“When you look at everything together, we deserved to win. It would have been a great shame if we did not crown all the good we did throughout the championship. We knew there would be ups and downs. We had a slump in February but we knew it was an extremely tough and unusual season, full of uncertainty about the situation. We did not give up, nothing took us down, although we had a lot of pressure. We had two top-tier rival teams and the media created a burden for us, because they constantly told us that we could not bear it, that no one believed in us“.
Main characteristic of the equipment
“We are a team of warriors, we have a strong character, fighting spirit and winner “.
His role in the league title
“It is a special sensation, without a doubt my favorite trophy. I have been here for six years, I am one of the veterans, one of the most experienced, one of those who best knows the size and uniqueness of this great club. Atlético is a club that welcomed me like a member of the family. What's more, I have played an important role in the team this season, I am very happy and proud having contributed to this great success in this way “:
“It was not easy to get here. It is not easy for a footballer who comes from a small country to fight for status. There has to be a lot, a lot of work, you have to prove yourself perhaps more than others “.
Absence in Valladolid
“It was ten times harder than if he had played.”
Match at the Camp Nou
“That match was decisive, literally. We knew we were close if we didn't lose, and if we lost, Barcelona would have the advantage, because they also had an easier schedule. We played a top match, we came out bravely and firmly, we wanted to show who is the leader and that we are ready for the title“.
Only footballer from Montenegro with two leagues in his record
“It means a lot to me, I did not know that he was the only player from Montenegro with two championship titles in the strongest leagues (he won with Atlético in 2021 and the Premier that he achieved in 2012 with Manchester City). I hope I don't stop thereWho knows that maybe one day a third party will arrive at another place, but all my concentration is now on Atlético “.