New Atletico Madrid signing Jose Antonio Reyes admitted yesterday there was no chance of him continuing his career with Arsenal this season.

"I never considered continuing with Arsenal," said Reyes, "because I wanted to return to Spain, like last season [at Real Madrid]. In England I was never going to play well because I wasn't mentally prepared to do so.

"I spoke with Arsene Wenger and told him I wanted to join Atletico. He respected my decision and I will always be grateful for that. I have always been happy with the way Arsenal have treated me."