Kieran Trippier admits he wishes he'd left Tottenham earlier for Atletico Madrid.

The former Tottenham defender claims in just a few months Simeone has made him a better player – despite four years at White Hart Lane being tutored by Mauricio Pochettino, himself a right-back in his own playing days.

“I'll admit it was an eye opener coming here, for sure," said England star Trippier. “I didn't want to come to the end of my career and regret not accepting this ­challenge and going to Madrid.

“I know it will benefit me in the long run and hope I am here for many more years.

“I am absolutely loving it at the moment and that is the most important thing. The culture and the football are so different to England. La Liga is totally different to the Premier League.

“I had to improve on my defending and that was ­something I openly admitted last season.

“And now I know there is no one better to learn from than 'Mister'. He is ­unbelievable with the team and individually. It is a joy to play for him."