Saul Niguez will stay at Atletico Madrid as long as Diego Simeone is manager
Thursday 27 October 2016 13:39, UK
Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has underlined Diego Simeone's towering influence at the club by promising he will not leave while the Argentine remains in charge.
The 21-year-old has developed into one of Simeone's most important players in the last two seasons, famously scoring a mesmeric winning goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final last term.
The Spain international had been linked to a move away in the summer, with Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly interested in his services.
"As long as Simeone is here, no, I won't leave," Saul told Spanish magazine Club del Deportista. "When a coach has faith in you as much as he has and gives you that confidence, it's vital."
Former Argentina midfielder Simeone has transformed Atletico's fortunes since taking charge of the ailing club in 2011, breaking Barcelona and Real Madrid's nine-year domestic stranglehold to win La Liga in 2014.
They also won the Europa League and the Copa Deal Rey in successive seasons and have also finished runner-up in two of the last three Champions League finals.
Saul is far from the only Atletico player to speak of the coach's influence, with France international Antoine Griezmann admitting in August he sought assurance Simeone would remain in charge before penning a new contract with the club.
Yet Simeone's iron grip on the club means Atletico could find themselves losing key personnel when he eventually decides to depart.
The 46-year-old recently reduced his contract with Atletico from 2020 to 2018, casting doubt on his long-term future there.
"For me and for Atletico it's the same: Simeone is everything," added Saul.
"The tranquility he transmits to me has made me the player I am today on the pitch. It took a lot to win his confidence, but now I have it I have to keep fighting to the death for him."
