Simeone Signs Contract Extension with Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone renewed his contract with the Spanish champion on Tuesday for another five seasons until 2020.
Although he was linked with other clubs, including Manchester City as a possible replacement for Manuel Pellegrini, Simeone said he would "stay where I am" because he was sure the club would continue to grow.
Simeone said he aims "to finish third in the league for three more seasons and to establish financial stability." He acknowledged it would not be easy because rivals such as Sevilla, Valencia, and Villarreal were also "growing and working well."
The 44-year-old former Argentina and Atletico midfielder took over as coach in December 2011.
"What we give to the club as coaches is passion, as we work with great enthusiasm, and we love this club," he said.
Atletico has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, and will next face Real Madrid. The team is also fourth in the Spanish league, nine behind leader Barcelona.
Last season's league title was Atletico's first since 1996.
During his tenure, Atletico will move from its aging Vicente Calderon Stadium.
The team was supposed to move to its new Peineta Stadium on the eastern outskirts of Madrid in the summer of 2016, but the club said in November that the change will be delayed by a year.
Source: Associated Press
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