Diego Simeone has opened the door to the possibility of leaving Atletico Madrid in the next two years after announcing on Friday that he had reduced his contractual commitment from 2020 to 2018.
Advertisement
Asked to confirm the reports, the Colchoneros coach told a news conference: “It is true that it happened, but nothing changes”.
Simeone, who has also won the Europa League and Copa del Rey with Atletico, added: “This does not change anything, and the only thing is to see if the lads keep giving me their hearts”. It hasn’t stirred anything because within two years we may still renew.
The change comes after an offseason filled with talk about teams wanting Simeone, especially Paris Saint-Germain, which eventually signed Unai Emery. “I have no doubt about what I say. I always want more”. It’s us showing what we feel for the club by our deeds. “I’ve stayed here for four and a half years because I feel a connection with the club and its supporters”.
“It is necessary to do what we believe is right, we understand this is an important situation for everyone”, he said. I was pretty clear in what I said. “Everyone can relax, we’re fine”.
Atlético, who have picked up five points from their first three La Liga matches this season, face Sporting Gijon on Saturday. “This is football and today, the team didn’t take long to find the route to the first goal; we also have players who are waiting for their chance like Fernando and Correa, who are very risky for our rivals”. “They interpreted very well the start we needed, surprised them with a lot of people going forward”.
Goals: “We usually score in all of our games, or at least generate chances to score”.
Advertisement
Simeone had previously spoken about reonsidering his future in the club, after Atletico’s loss in Champion’s League. Simeone did not give away how such a schedule would affect his lineup on Saturday.
