Simeone agrees new five-year Atletico contract

DiegoSimeone - Cropped

Diego Simeone has agreed a new five-year deal with Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, which will keep him under contract at the Vicente Calderon until 2020.

The former Argentina international was due to be out of contract in 2017 but, amid speculation of interest from the likes of Manchester City, Simeone has now committed his immediate future to the club.

Sister and agent Natalia suggested recently that a new deal was on the cards for the former Atleti midfielder, with the club confirming the agreement on Tuesday.

"I choose to be here because I'm sure the club is going to keep growing. I see strength and enthusiasm," Simeone told reporters.

"It'll be exciting to be part of the inauguration. The club is enjoying a period of huge growth.

"I choose to be where I am. It's hard to make choices in life.

"I'm sure that I'm making the right choice and I choose to be here, because I'm sure the club is going to keep growing."

Since arriving from Racing in 2011, Simeone has won silverware in every season - enjoying UEFA Europa League, Copa del Rey and La Liga successes.

Last season's Spanish title was the club's first since 1996 with Simeone receiving plaudits for his side's tenacity and aggression as they held off traditional heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona.

While Atleti look unlikely to defend their domestic title - trailing leaders Barca by nine points - Simeone's side remain in the running for UEFA Champions League glory.

They will come up against city rivals Real in the competition's quarter-finals next month in a rematch of last year's final - won 4-1 after extra time by Carlo Ancelotti's side.

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