Diego Simeone Shortens His Atletico Madrid Contract

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has shortened his contract with the club by two years, according to reports in Spain.

Simeone signed a contract with Atletico in March 2015 that tied him to the Liga outfit until June 2020.

However, AS and Marca report that the Argentine has had negotiations with the Rojiblancos and changed the deal so that it now expires in June 2018.

In charge of Atletico since 2011, Simeone hinted at a possible departure after his side’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid at the end of last season, saying he needed time to consider his options.

The 46-year-old was linked with the Paris Saint-Germain coaching position at the time but made it clear in June that his immediate future was with Atletico. Simeone has also been linked with Arsenal and Inter Milan, a club he played for.

Despite the reported interest in his signature, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has said he has never doubted Simeone’s commitment. “I see him enthusiastic and happy,” Cerezo told Cadena Cope.

“At no time did I think Simeone was going to leave Atleti.”

A former Atletico player and Argentina international, Simeone has won the Europa League, Copa del Rey and the Liga title in his four-and-a-half seasons at the helm of the Rojiblancos.

He has steered Atletico to two Champions League finals in the last three years, both of them ending in narrow defeats to Real Madrid.

Simeone spoke of his commitment to Atletico prior to Tuesday’s 1-0 triumph at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

He said in Marca: “I am where I want to be and where I’ve chosen to be. I love Atletico. This group of players has given me its heart and the fans in the stands don’t stop believing in this team and giving us their support.

“I always tell my players that if there is something great about this group, it is that it constantly reinvents itself and always tries to compete against the best.”