Toni Duggan joins Atletico Madrid Women
Thursday 1st August 2019
Toni Duggan has signed a two-year contract with Atletico Madrid Women and will join up with her new teammates on Monday 5th August. The forward left FC Barcelona at the beginning of July. Since then, she has been the subject of a number of offers from a host of top clubs across Europe.
Toni Duggan said: “This is an amazing opportunity to play for one of the greatest clubs in Europe. I had several different offers – from all around the world – but at this stage in my career, I wanted to join a side that is consistently challenging for honours and Atletico’s record is incredible. I’ve seen this team up close over the last couple of years and they are a real force.
“When I visited the new training ground I was extremely impressed. In terms of a facility that caters specifically for a women’s team, it is the best I have ever seen. I have met both the captain and manager – this is the next level for me, in every sense. They have great players and I want to help them to retain the league and to go further in the Champions League.
“I played at the Wanda Metropolitano last season in front of 60,000 fans, so I know how much these supporters enjoy women’s football – I was blown away by the atmosphere and their support for the team. It will be a huge honour to play in front of them. There are plans to play games at the Wanda next season and I am very excited about that.
“I have loved living in Spain these past two years and look forward to continuing my journey. I have learned so much as a player in the last two campaigns and feel that I am approaching my prime. I want to do the Atletico fans proud and hope that they will get behind me – together we can achieve great things.”
Duggan moved to Spain in 2017 and went on to play 72 games and score 29 goals for FC Barcelona. In 2018, she won the Copa de la Reina and the Copa Catalunya Femenina. She was also twice a runner-up (to Atletico Madrid) in the Primera Division Femenina and, last season, missed out on a UEFA Women’s Champions League win in the final. Last season, Atletico won their domestic league for the third successive season.