A closer look at the life and career of new Cherries signing Rodrigo Riquelme, who joined the Cherries on Wednesday following the completion of his loan switch from Atletico Madrid.
Riquelme was born in Madrid, beginning his football career further north away in Zaragoza, where his family had moved for work.
After being spotted back in Spain’s capital by Rayo Vallecano, Riquelme next joined Atletico Madrid aged ten, progressing through the age ranks with Los Rojiblancos before making his first appearance for the club’s B team in March 2019.
Ahead of last season, Riquelme was promoted to the first-team squad by manager Diego Simeone for the pre-season International Champions Cup in the USA.
Internationally, Riquelme has represented Spain at under-19 level, playing in the qualifiers for the 2019 Euros, but not being included in the final squad.
The winger, compared to former Atletico attacker Antoine Griezmann in his appearance, made over 20 appearances for the B team during 2019/20, for whom he scored eight goals and assisted seven more.
A fine crosser of the ball, blessed with a good first touch and forward vision, there was also a watermark moment for the player as he came on for his first-team debut in La Liga last September in a match against Eibar.
The winger then went on to make a further appearance in Simeone’s side in a tie against Leonesa in the Copa Del Rey.
