Official: Gabi renews with Atletico

On Friday, Atletico Madrid revealed its worst-kept contract secret. Captain Gabi’s contract has been renewed, meaning the veteran midfielder will wear don the armband through the 2017-18 season.

Gabi and club president Enrique Cerezo discussed the impending renewal on El Larguero last week, with Gabi saying on the program that there were never any problems during negotiations.

“I am happy to continue one more year in my home,” he said to the Atletico’s official website. “I always say that playing at Atletico Madrid was my dream as a child, so I can not ask for more than what I’m living these years.”

The renewal ensures that the canterano will form part of the team that walks out at La Peineta next August. It also likely will see Gabi take part in his 375th game in all competitions for Atletico - his current tally stands at 324, with 235 appearances coming in LaLiga play.