Diego Simeone shortens contract as Atletico Madrid manager

By Nathan Orr

Friday 16 September 2016 15:37, UK

Diego Simeone has confirmed his contract with Atletico Madrid has been cut by two years.

Simeone, who is the longest-serving active coach in La Liga, will now see his contract expire in June 2018 instead of June 2020.

The Argentine's stock has risen dramatically in recent years, after breaking Real Madrid and Barcelona's dominance, by leading Atletico to the domestic title in 2014 and reaching two Champions League finals in three years.

Despite the changes to his contract, Simeone insists "nothing has changed".

"We've decided this situation along with the club's directors and it does not mean we will not renew again when the contract ends," he said at a news conference on Friday.

"We continue to show what we feel for the club. It doesn't bother me that people speculate about my future but the fact I'm here is because I want to be here," added Simeone.

"I've stayed here for four-and-a-half years because I feel a connection with the club and its supporters."

Simeone's future at the Vicente Calderon has been heavily in question since he said he was considering his future after Atletico Madrid's loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final in May

However, since the 46-year-old has re-iterated his commitment to the club.

Atletico are currently seventh in La Liga, after drawing against Leganes and Alaves before comfortably beating Celta Vigo.