Luis Suarez has said that he needed “fresh air” which was why he left Barcelona to join Atletico Madrid.

The 33-year-old Uruguayan who was seen as surplus to requirement at Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona completed a move to Atletico Madrid this summer.

He made his debut in a 3-0 win against Grenada with goals from Diego Costa, Angel Correa and Joao Felix.

“Very good, very happy for the debut, for the three points,” he told Movistar after the game.

“When you make your debut and help the team with goals, you are always happy.

“It is a moment in which I needed fresh air, it is important to change and accept it.

“I come to a club that has given me a spectacular welcome, the atmosphere is very good from the beginning and that is reflected on the field.”

In another interview with Atletico’s media, he said, “We’re feeling good about ourselves. We’ve completed a great game, scoring many goals and creating lots of chances.”

“We have to continue like this. I’m feeling good. I’m happy and enjoying myself. Things are going well.

“This was just the first game, but we want to complete a very, very good season. We’re working towards that. We started today and have to continue against Huesca.”