Coupet - No Atletico regrets

Atletico back-up has no regrets over Spain switch

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 4th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Coupet - No Atletico regrets

Coupet: Spain appeal

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Gregory Coupet still feels his summer switch from Lyon to Atletico Madrid was worthwhile, despite struggling to hold down a regular place.

But the veteran stopper has told the Primera Liga outfit he will look elsewhere if his 'torture' of playing second fiddle continues.

The former France goalkeeper has found first team football hard to come by, after slipping down the pecking order between the sticks behind Leo Franco.

But Coupet has no regrets about quitting the French champions for a new life in Spain.

"I don't think it was an error, no, because it is above all a family adventure," he said.

"I felt it necessary to leave to experience something else.

"Of course it is a great disappointment for me not to be playing. But on the other side of it all, my family is doing well. My wife and kids feel better here than they did in France.

Anonymous

"Here I am quite anonymous and it offers you a better quality of life. It's amazing. We can do things which were impossible to do while in France."

However, the 36-year-old does miss the competitive edge that comes with playing every week and is considering moving on to a smaller side.

"On match days, it is very difficult to be a substitute - I was not made to be a substitute," he said.

"Even if I love Atletico, even if everyone is very nice with me, each match is torture. I am suffering."

And Coupet is not ruling out changing clubs if the situation continues.

"Honestly, I would prefer to play at a smaller club but play," he told L'Equipe.

"I am already asking myself whether I can interest someone else."