Tiago admits he wanted to leave club last year, has 3 offers from different countries

Tiago admits there was a time last year that he had a desire to leave Atletico Madrid, but says a move to China was never a possibility and that he held talks with Diego Simeone - simply because he feared he could not keep up with the likes of Gabi and Koke after breaking his leg at the start of the season.

“It’s hurt me that they published that I was going to go to China,” the central midfielder said in a press conference. "I want fans to know that my commitment is not in doubt.”

Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Commitment to Atletico

Tiago spoke of his commitment to the Atletico cause and that Simeone repaid him by telling him he would not be forgotten at the club as long as the Argentine was in charge.

"Last season I spoke with Simeone because I did not see myself being able to compete at the level of Gabi or Koke,” the Portuguese said.

“I told him that I wasn’t needed here, but they wouldn’t have a problem with me. But the manager told me that I was going to be important, that he wouldn’t forget me.”

Tiago revealed that he has three offers from three different countries but that he would stay if the club wanted him, while accepting that he would leave at the end of the season if Atleti had no need for him.