Movilla to stay at Atletico

Reports in Spain had suggested that the midfielder was poised to join the Catalan strugglers when the transfer window reopened in January.

However, the former Malaga man has now come forward to state that he will stay at the Vicente Calderon for the duration of this term whatever his role at the club.

"I have already taken the decision to stay this year and whatever happens I'll continue here, and will be very proud to do so," declared the 28-year-old.

"At the end of the season I will have tried to do what every footballer wants which is to get into the starting XI, and to give his best for the team."

Movilla has made the last four match-day squads of Atletico boss Gregorio Manzano after a disappointing start to the season, and is hopeful he has finally turned a corner at the club he joined from Malaga in the summer of 2001.

"Perhaps something has changed, the fact that it was my fourth successive squad this season is something that satisfies me. You are always happy when you are participating."