Last season he returned to the club to play in the team of his life, after several loans. Since he was a child he has dreamed of being there, and Simeone gave him the opportunity last year. Rodrigo Riquelme dreams awake, he doesn't want to be moved and he dedicates himself to enjoying the moments that he never stops enjoying, the day to day as a rojiblanco.
Since he was a child, he showed a preference for Antoine Griezmann ; now, after a year with him, he is emerging as the Frenchman's replacement. Although Simeone put him as a left-extrem, competing with Samu Lino , on some occasions he moved him inside, where Rodrigo shines most, close to the attack. He needs to improve some aspects of his aim.
Lino is a starter
His situation in the team is not the easiest, with Samu Lino having beaten him to the position and being a regular for Simeone . Riquelme 's agents have been in contact with some teams, such as Roma ; the Italians have not given up on their interest in the Madrid native. The youth-team player is not thinking about leaving the club, although behind closed doors he is not closing anything.
Daniele De Rossi has been following Rodrigo Riquelme for many years, when he was coach of SPAL. At the Italian club, he really liked the Madrid native, and he wanted to take him with him. However, Riquelme opted for other proposals, such as Mirandés of the Second Division ; the wild boars strongly bet on acquiring his services.
Roma are looking for his arrival
In Italy, there has been speculation that Roma could pay 30 million for the player from the club. At the moment, there are no significant contacts between the parties; however, they could soon make another offer. The difficulties they have had in signing Federico Chiesa could open the door for Rodrigo Riquelme to leave.
He is likely to stay this year, starting as a substitute and fighting to earn minutes on the pitch. He is a player much loved by the fans and by Cholo Simeone , who holds him in high regard. Rodrigo Riquelme dreams of winning a title with the red and white team, which is what he has wanted most since he was a child.
A key goal for Real Madrid
This youngster who came through the Atlético youth system has now played 49 games for the red-and-white club, scoring four goals and providing six assists. Rodrigo Riquelme Reche can play as an attacking midfielder, as a left- or right-extrem. He is a mobile player, who breaks from inside out and can look for a goal in the second line.
His most important goal in the red and white shirt was in the Copa del Rey , against Real Madrid , in the quarterfinals. He received the ball from Memphis and managed to send it all the way to the top corner, a great finish and a much celebrated goal. He also remembers when he won his MVP against Feyenoord , celebrating it in tears with the red and white team that had travelled to Rotterdam .