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- Simeone speaks about his decision to stay and more
In an interview released on Atlético Madrid’s official site, manager Diego Simeone speaks on a number of topics, including his recent decision to sign a contract extension with the club.
(Watch the whole thing. It’s great.)
His affection for the club and the players is clear throughout the clip, and he cites the ability of the club to hold onto its players this summer as a primary reason for his decision to stay.
Simeone goes on to discuss the excitement and anxiety of inaugurating a new stadium — including its metro links — and relives some past glories of his time with the club. The full clip provides a glimpse of the charm and enthusiasm that has helped Cholo earn the respect and loyalty of his players.
- Club president denies link between Simeone deal and Costa
In an interview Thursday, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo denied any link between the Diego Costa situation and Simeone’s renewal. Previous rumors had suggested that Simeone signed his contract on the condition that the club would push through an eventual transfer of Costa from Chelsea.
Cerezo did, however, lend credence to the rumors of a possible Spain/Brazil matchup at Atlético’s new ground this November and teased Costa’s potential arrival in January.
- Augusto Fernández returns injured from Argentina Camp
A repot from Mundo Deportivo indicates that veteran midfielder Augusto Fernández returned from international duty with a hamstring injury. Fernández did not appear for Argentina in this window and the injury was sustained during a training session.
Atlético later confirmed the hamstring issue in a tough blow for a player who missed most of last season with an ACL tear. However, it seems his recovery will be swift, as he’s expected to be fit for the home opener against Málaga on Sept. 16. He will miss visits to Valencia and AS Roma in the meantime, though.