Diego Simeone, Atletico agree new deal

Diego Simeone has agreed a new contract with Atletico Madrid that will keep him in charge at the club until 2020.

News of the Argentinian manager’s continued tenure was reported by Atletico’s Twitter feed.

Simeone thanked the club and its staff “past and present” for the hard-work and belief they have given him. He wants to keep Atletico moving forward, reported by AS: “Ahead of us we can look forward to a new stadium, there is a great deal of excitement. 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. We all have a responsibility, hard work, nerves and fear. There is plenty ahead for us and so much depends on the ball going into the net or not but at least we will offer hard work as always.”

Having taken over from Gregorio Manzano in 2011, Simeone led Atletico to their first La Liga title since 1996 last season, breaking Barcelona and Real Madrid’s nine-year duopoly in the Spanish top flight.

He also led Atletico to the Champions League final against Los Blancos in the 2013-14 season, and they were moments away from glory, before Sergio Ramos’ goal forced extra time and Real went on to triumph.

As Spanish football writer Chris Moar notes, Simeone’s continued stay at the Vicente Calderon is a huge boost for Atletico considering how successful the 44-year-old has been at the club, reports bleacher report.