Alessio Cerci: 'I can handle the pressure'

Alessio Cerci has insisted that he can handle the pressure of joining Atletico Madrid.

The Italian moved to the Spanish champions from Torino this summer and has said that he cannot wait "to contribute to a special group with a great coach".

"I wanted to come to Atletico. My desire was very strong. My dream was always to play for a club like this," he told AS.

"I get to contribute to a special group with a great coach. I'll face this adventure with enthusiasm and strength. I like to score and create. For me the important thing is to be myself because that's the way I'll get goals and assists.

"When you're signed by a big club the pressure is strong. Atletico is a top club and it's normal pressure. I'm not going to be affected by it and I'll just give my all. I hope for a lot of pressure as it doesn't scare me, it motivates me."

Cerci, 27, scored 13 times for Torino last season.