Diego Simeone shortens Atletico Madrid contract

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has shortened his deal with the club by two years, according to reports in the Spanish media.

Simeone reduced the terms of his contract with the Spanish giants, while there are claims that he has decided to take English lessons so as to fit into Premier League system.

Simeone signed a contract with Atletico in March 2015 that tied him to the Liga outfit until June 2020.

AS and Marca report that the Argentine has had negotiations with the club and changed the deal so that it now expires in June 2018.

Fernando Torres said he doubted the reports.

“It is an unreal hypothesis,” Torres said during a news conference on Thursday. “Let’s be real.

We are one month into the season and this is a very important year for us. We want to grow after a very good season with a very complicated final.

“We are not going to get distracted thinking about what could happen nine months or a year from now.

“We aren’t going to create obstacles for ourselves. I have no idea if those reports are true or not.

“What he said after Milan [Champions League final loss], it was tough on all of us. But it makes sense that each one of us express ourselves.

“He said what he felt and it didn’t change anything between all of us. It should never be wrong to speak from one’s heart. We are very happy that he has decided to stay, he is the fundamental base in this Atletico team.

“We want this year to be different. We want to keep growing after a great year.”

The former Argentina international is one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe and has long been linked with numerous job in the Premier League.

He was linked with the Manchester City job before Pep Guardiola took charge, while he was considered by Chelsea before Roman Abramovich decided his style ‘wouldn’t favour Chelsea.

However, reports in Spain suggest Arsenal are interested with Wenger’s contract up at the club at the end of the season.

The Argentine could leave in 2018 without having to pay a release fee but any fee for next summer will be far lower with the latest agreement.

Simeone spoke of his commitment to Atletico prior to Tuesday’s win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

He said in Marca: “I am where I want to be and where I’ve chosen to be. I love Atletico. This group of players has given me their heart and the fans in the stands don’t stop believing in this team and giving us their support.

“I always tell my players that if there is something great about this group, it is that it as constantly reinvented itself and always tries to compete against the best.”

Simeone took over at Atletico in 2011 and won La Liga in 2014. He has taken them to two Champions League finals – including last season’s – but lost to city rivals Real Madrid.