Diego explains Atletico departure
Diego Simeone has revealed why he has left Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone has revealed the reasons behind his surprise decision to leave Atletico Madrid and return home to Argentina after agreeing to join Racing Club in January.The veteran midfielder was offered a new one-year deal by the Spanish outfit, but took the decision to make an early exit after failing to impress during his second spell at El Calderon.
"I have decided to leave the club because the player inside me wants to play and to compete," explained Simeone. "I thought that the coach, who has every right to choose who he wants, has not used me very much.
"At 34 I do not have much playing time left to be able to demonstrate that I can still play at the highest level. I have decided to move for sentimental reasons and pride so that I can continue doing what I love most, to play football.
"It was not a quick decision. I considered it for over a month and there were many reasons to stay and to go. But I am grateful to Miguel Angel Gil who offered me a contract for another year at Atletico when I spoke to him about my situation.
"I am going to tackle a new project now and I will leave many great things behind, but I do not want to become sentimental."
Simeone originally moved to Atletico in 1994 and won the Spanish League and Cup double during his three-year stint before moving onto Internazionale and then Lazio in Serie A.
In the summer of 2003 he moved back to Vincente Calderon and made 32 appearances last season, but has only completed two games this term under new coach Gregorio Manzano.
He will receive a trophy in recognition of his services to the club before Atletico's game against Deportivo La Coruna next Sunday.
