Grimaldo reveals how Leverkusen convinced him to sign from Benfica
In an interview with Sport Bild, Alejandro Grimaldo has explained how his move to Bayer Leverkusen came about.
Alejandro Grimaldo has revealed how Bayer Leverkusen managed to persuade him to leave SL Benfica last summer.
The Spanish left-back, who has played a key role in the Werkself's success this season, told Sport Bild that he initially wanted to extend his expiring contract with Benfica.
"In the end, it didn't work out and Bayer 04 came back and told me who they wanted to sign. I knew then that our team would be strong," Grimaldo recalled.
In addition to Grimaldo, Leverkusen signed the likes of Granit Xhaka, Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface.
The fact that Grimaldo would get to play under Xabi Alonso played a part in his decision as well.
"Of course, the chance to play under him was also very attractive to me," said Grimaldo.
So far, the 28-year-old has scored nine goals and laid on seven assists in 24 appearances for Die Werkself.