Saul Ñiguez: "I want to spend my entire career at Atletico"

Saúl Ñíguez was one of the flavours of the 2015/16 season, delivering a series of outstanding performances in midfield for Club Atlético de Madrid. As a reward for his efforts, the starlet has been awarded the Apuesta del Año (Bet of the Year) prize for the breakthrough player of the campaign. This accolade is handed out by the Spanish national lotteries and gaming authority (Loterias y Apuestas del Estado) and the Spanish Sports Press Association (AEPD).

"This is a privilege and a source of pride. I want to thank my teammates and the coaching staff, because they've helped me develop this season and none of this would be possible without them. I'd also like to thank Atletico for the values they instilled in me. They're the club I want to spend my entire career at," Saul said during the award ceremony.

At the tender age of 21, Saul has established himself as a linchpin for Atletico. He made 31 appearances in the Liga BBVA this past season, scoring four goals, winning the ball back 140 times and completing 1,136 passes. He also chipped in with two goals in the Copa del Rey and a further three in the UEFA Champions League, including a wonder strike against Bayern Munich that wowed the world.

Nevertheless, the youngster is not resting on his laurels and is eager to keep kicking on. "I've been working hard for a long time to be consistent and keep improving. I haven't reached my full potential yet – next year will be better still," he noted. The Rojiblancos player also made a point of voicing his gratitude to his family, who were there to watch him pick up the prize. "When the going gets tough, you are always there for me," he said, visibly moved.

Inmaculada Garcia, the president of the Spanish lotteries and gaming authority, stated that Saul was a worthy winner of the accolade on account of "his effort and his drive to improve." For his part, Julian Redondo, the president of the AEPD, lavished praise on both the player and the initiative: "I'm sure we'll be seeing Saul at the 2018 World Cup. Congratulations to Loterias y Apuestas del Estado on continuing with such a nice scheme and on maintaining their solidarity and support." 

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Oscar Graefenhain, the director general of sport at the High Council for Sport. "I'd like to thank the AEPD for all the work they do through events like this one, and Loterias y Apuestas del Estado, because without their support the success enjoyed by Spanish sport would be impossible. Saul's talent is beyond question and it's going to lead him to the greatest of success in the future," said Graefenhain.

Saul follows in the footsteps of RC Celta's Nolito, last year's winner of the prize, for which journalists from the leading sports newspapers in Spain have their say.