Report: Simeone's Atletico deal cut by 2 years
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone could be set to leave the club in 2018, after apparently cutting his original agreement until 2020 by two years.
ESPN FC's Adriana Garcia picks up reports from AS and Marca in Spain that the Argentinian struck the new consensus following negotiations with the Atleti hierarchy. It follows last May's public expression of his uncertainty in continuing in his role after losing the Champions League final - assertions that led to an alleged interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
There were also links with jobs at Arsenal or Inter Milan, the latter of whom he fought for in midfield between 1997 and 1999, but Simeone returned to work, recording five points from a possible nine to begin the new La Liga campaign, and starting Champions League commitments with a commendable 1-0 win at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has never doubted Simeone's loyalty despite the numerous stories speculating the manager's future lies elsewhere.
"I see him enthusiastic and happy," Cerezo told Cadena Cope, with translation from ESPN FC.
"At no time did I think Simeone was going to leave Atleti."
The reported new contract for Simeone, a winner of five trophies and runner-up in the Champions League twice in under five years at Los Rojiblancos, would put him in line with the end of Unai Emery's contract at PSG in 2018. Arsene Wenger's 20-year Arsenal reign is slated to end upon the conclusion of this season, while Frank de Boer inked a three-year Inter Milan deal only last month.
Simeone is currently undergoing preparations for Atletico Madrid's visit of Sporting Gijon on Saturday.