Atlético signing Felipe not looking to emulate Godín
A €20million signing from Porto, Atlético Madrid's new centre-back Felipe does not intend to follow in Inter Milan-bound Diego Godín's footsteps.
New recruit Felipe is not concerned about filling Diego Godin's boots at Atlético Madrid.
Godín has signed a three-year deal with Inter, ending a nine-year stay in the Spanish capital that yielded a LaLiga title and two Champions League final appearances, though Atléti lost on both occasions to neigbours Real Madrid.
After joining from Porto for €20million and agreeing a three-year contract, Felipe is widely expected to be Atlético's replacement for captain Godin.
But the 30-year-old defender is not feeling the pressure of following in the footsteps of one of the club's modern greats.
Felipe: "I'm here to make my own story"
"Godin is Godin, he's a great player and he's made a great story," Felipe said of the two-time Europa League winner.
"I'm here to make my story. I want to play a great role, I know the club is huge.
"I really wanted to come in. I have very high expectations of having a good season."
Atlético face a substantial rebuild with Lucas Hernandez joining Bayern Munich and veteran right-back Juanfran leaving, while striker Antoine Griezmann has announced his intention to depart and left-back Filipe Luis also expected to be on his way out.
Spain midfielder Rodri is close to completing his move to Manchester City, with the Premier League champions paying his release clause, though Marcos Llorente has arrived from Real Madrid.