Tiago agrees renewal with Atleti

Atlético Madrid are taking care of personnel business prior to next weekend's Champions League final. On Wednesday, the team announced a renewal for bright young midfielder Saúl Ñíguez and the next day Tiago Mendes secured a renewed contract of his own.

Expressing his happiness at continuing in the team, the Portuguese renewed his contract through 2017, to which sporting director José Caminero remarked on the midfielder's importance as a "fundamental pillar" of the side. The 35-year-old will now almost certainly end his decorated playing career as a rojiblanco and he could make his 250th appearance in all competitions for the club next season.

Tiago joined Atleti on loan in 2010 after a controversial spell at Juventus and made the permanent switch after the 2010-11 season. Diego Simeone upon his arrival as manager ensured that Tiago would be a key member of his team, and the Portuguese has since won five trophies in red and white (not counting the 2010 UEFA Super Cup when Quique Sánchez Flores was manager; Tiago did not play in that match). Even though Tiago broke his leg in November and lost his place in the XI to Saúl, his value to the side remains immense and it was a priority to retain his services for the 2016-17 season - and possibly beyond.

But like the rest of his teammates, Tiago's focus is on May 28.