Simeone on shortened Atletico deal: 'It doesn't mean it's the end'
Diego Simeone has confirmed reports that his original Atletico Madrid agreement until 2020 has been cut by two years in a move he asserts is in the best interests of the club.
Related - Report: Simeone's Atletico deal cut by 2 years
The retired uncompromising midfielder confessed that he was weighing up his options at the Santiago Calderon Stadium following May's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, but eventually returned to work much to the relief of Los Rojiblancos faithful.
Simeone has plundered five pieces of silverware since taking the job in 2011, but has finished as runner-up in the showpiece of European football twice - both times to rival Real.
"I can confirm it's true," he said when asked of reports regarding his contract. "We have spoken with the club and made the best decisions for the club and the team; we've taken this decision in conjunction with the club's directors and it doesn't alter the possibility of renewing terms again once the new arrangement ends. It's us showing what we feel for the club by our deeds; everyone can relax, we're fine."
The Argentinian manager was linked with roles at Inter Milan and Arsenal over the summer, but the whispers around the Paris Saint-Germain helm were most intense after Laurent Blanc's exit. Unai Emery was subsequently appointed, but Simeone's new contract until 2018 now coincides with the expiration of the new PSG boss' deal.
With this potential managerial merry-go-round being sparked in two years' time, Simeone was pressed on why the duration of his Atleti stay was cut.
"We needed to do what we feel is fair; we understand that it's an important situation for all of us but what is written in contracts is private," he explained. "The only thing I ask is that the lads in the team give their heart and soul. In two years' time we can renew and sign a new deal, it doesn't mean it's the end."
Atletico Madrid has collected five points from a possible nine to begin the La Liga campaign, and welcomes Sporting Gijon to the Spanish capital on Saturday.