Mozambican left-back Reinildo Mandava has described his transfer to Spanish La Liga champions Atletico Madrid as a fulfillment of a childhood dream.

“I’m very happy to be at Atletico,” Reinildo told Atletico TV. “It’s a dream come true as I’ve been dreaming of reaching the top ever since I was a child. Even more so when you come from Africa, from a country like Mozambique.

“It’s an incomparable moment and now I’m here to work and help. I am happy to represent this great club, the champion of Spain, and I will help in whatever way I can. Reinildo is a fighter who gives everything on the field. I play at 120%, not 100%.”

Atletico signed the Beira-born defender on a three-year contract from French Ligue 1 side Lille, the Spanish side has confirmed through a statement.

Mandava has come a long way, having made his professional debut with Ferroviario da Beira and later moved to Grupo Desportivo Maputo.

He then secured a move to Portugal where he played for lower league teams such as Benfica B, Fafe, Sporting Covilhã and Belenenses, before Lille came with an open cheque book and signed him in 2019.

Mandava made 35 appearances for Lille and earned a place in Ligue 1 XI of the Year as a left-back.

He is Mozambique’s top player with 31 caps and two goals under his belt.

Mandava will now be rubbing shoulders with world-class stars such as Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak.