Girona president Delfi Geli Roura is happy for Rodrigo Riquelme over his success with Atletico Madrid.

The midfielder spent last season on-loan with Girona and Geli admits they tried to re-sign him this term.

He told AS: "We knew that it was very difficult for Atlético to let him leave again because he had already shown, with us, that he had a place in the Primera Division. He is made for the highest level. In the end it was impossible. A great present and future awaits him at Atlético.

"From day one we saw that he was a differential player. When the opportunity to bring him arose, the sports management did not hesitate. Later I think he also had a coach, like Míchel, who made him grow.

"We are very lucky with the coach we have, he is a great squad manager and a sensational person. He knows a lot and hits the right buttons with each player."