Atalanta captain Papu Gomez was proud of their 2-2 draw with Champions League opponents Ajax.

La Dea came from 2-0 down to earn the point.

“We feel very proud to have brought this club and this city into the Champions League," the captain told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was a wonderful game of football. With teams of this level, you're going to deal with a strong attack, but the good thing is that they leave spaces and we like to attack too. I focused more on staying closer to the forwards than tracking back this time."

Gomez was upset being substituted in the 78th minute, but later explained: “We were at 2-2 and it's only natural I wanted to keep playing, but that's normal! I was a little cross because these are the games I love and when we can feel the turnaround to win it, we want to push. It's also in these situations that you realise the level of the competition.

“My teammates had the same desire to play that I did, so I shake their hands when I come off, but anyone who has been a player knows you always want to play.

“I am the captain and the Number 10, if I don't get annoyed, then who will?"