Sime Vrsaljko clears up his situation at Atletico Madrid amid talks of a move back to Italy

Sime Vrsaljko has assured Atletico Madrid fans that he is not set for a move back to Italy having just joined Atletico during the summer. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Napoli with just one game in the league under his belt at his new club.

The Croatian right-back has struggled to earn playing time given the form of Juanfran and Diego Simeone’s reliance on consistency in his defence. While his lack of playing time has not gone unnoticed, Vrsaljko understands the situation.

“I'm not thinking of leaving Atletico. I do not want to talk too much about my situation, of course I want to play more, but things are the way they are,” he said.

The former Sassuolo defender impressed at Euro 2016 and showed versatility when asked to step in at left-back against Spain during the group stages.

Vrsaljko’s attitude regarding his playing time will surely please Simeone, as he focused on working harder in order to convince Cholo of his credentials.

“It depends on me working hard and showing the coach what I'm worth. I am fit and these two games with Croatia have meant a lot to me,” he continued.

Following a 1-0 victory over Finland in which Vrsaljko played the full 90 minutes, he will return to Madrid where he will continue to train with the group.

The season is young and with Atletico looking like they will advance in the group stages of the Champions League and compete heavily in the other two competitions they play in this season, Vrsaljko would be wise to stick around the Vicente Calderon.