Diego Simeone extends Atletico contract until 2020
By Abhinav Kini
Great news for Atletico Madrid fans as Diego Simeone has extended his contract at the club until 2020.
Diego Simeone has agreed a three-year extension to his current contract, keeping him at the Vicente Calderon until 2020.
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The news was expected but comes as a relief for Atletico fans, especially as Simeone was earmarked as a potential candidate to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City.
“I have chosen to be here because I am convinced the club will continue to grow,” Simeone said. “Because it is strong, there is enthusiasm and there are people here whose desire to participate is stronger each day.”
“He triumphed as a player and became a club legend and we knew we weren’t making a mistake when we proposed to bring him back as coach,” Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said. “He has helped us underpin the club’s growth with his tremendous success on the pitch and he has consolidated our place among the European soccer elite.”
Simone has certainly done that and his impact is simply outstanding if you think about it. When he was appointed manager in December 2011, Atletico were sitting in 10th place in La Liga and had just been dumped out of the Copa del Rey.
Simeone masterminded a Europa League win in his debut season before adding to the honors as his side thrashed Chelsea 4-1 in the UEFA Super Cup the next season. The trophies didn’t end there as in his second season, he lifted the Copa del Rey, defeating derby rivals Real Madrid 2-1 in extra-time.
However, it was the 2013-2014 season which saw Simeone achieve the impossible. Not only did he help Atletico to a first La Liga title since 1996, but he also helped them reach the Champions League final where the Rojiblancos were just one minute away from being crowned champions until Sergio Ramos’ dramatic late equalizer.
Atletico have already won the Spanish Super Cup this season and face Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Champions League in what will be a rematch of last year’s final.
H/T: Yahoo Sports
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