Simeone commits himself to Atleti, explains decision
Diego Simeone has signed a new five-year deal at Atletico Madrid. The 44-year-old Argentinian had been linked with several Premier League clubs - most notably being touted as a potential replacement for Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City in recent weeks - but he has now ended speculation over his immediate future.
Reigning Spanish champions Atleti, who finished runners-up in last year's UEFA Champions League, are currently fourth in La Liga, nine points off leaders Barcelona, but Simeone is convinced the club can get back to the top.
"I choose to be here because I am convinced that the club will continue to grow," he told the Spanish press.
The decision to stay until 2020 is a big statement from Simeone, who has been drawing admiring glances for his achievements in the Spanish capital on a relatively meagre budget. However, shortly after he announced his new deal, Manchester City sources categorically denied to Press Association Sport that the club made a bid for Simeone's services or that they were interested.
I see a club that is moving forward, I see eagerness to grow and people willing to collaborate.Diego Simeone
Since taking the reins at Atletico in December 2011, Simeone has made a habit of gatecrashing the monopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid, scooping a La Liga crown, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. Simeone's impact has also been felt in Europe, with his side winning the UEFA Europa League in 2012 and then embarrassing Chelsea 4-1 in the Super Cup later that year.
"Ahead of us we can look forward to a new stadium, there is a great deal of excitement," he said. "The club keeps growing. I've made a decision to stay where I am and decisions are sometimes difficult to make in life.
"Fortunately I've been able to make this decision as I see a club that is moving forward, I see eagerness to grow and people willing to collaborate. We all love Atletico Madrid, and we all want to grow together."
President praise
Atleti hailed the announcement with a banner of Simeone dominating their website and the hashtag '#Simeone2020' celebrating his renewal.
Club president Enrique Cerezo echoed those sentiments, saying: "Nobody embodies the values of our club more than Simeone. Passion, effort, nobility, work, solidarity, courage, heart ... he showed in his years of football, where he gave himself [in both] body and soul in the defence of Atletico colours."