Diego Simeone shortens Atletico Madrid coaching contract

Madrid (AFP) – Highly rated coach Diego Simeone said Friday he has shortened his contract with Atletico Madrid by two years until June 2018, a move likely to stir fresh speculation about his future.

The 46-year-old Argentine, who took Atletico to the Spanish league title in 2014 and the Champions League final last season, has been linked to many of Europe’s top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Inter Milan.

In charge of Atletico since 2011, he had hinted at his possible departure after the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, saying he needed time to consider his options.

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

“It is true, we have talked and we have taken the best decision for the club and the team,” he told a news conference when asked about media reports that the club had agreed to reduce his contract by two years.

“We have 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.”