Brazilian defender Miranda will leave Atletico Madrid this summer, according to the Spanish publication Marca.
In recent years, Miranda has formed one of the best centre-back partnerships in Europe alongside teammate Diego Godin. But the defender has slowly seen his playing time reduced due to injuries; as well as the improved play and maturation of 20-year-old Uruguayan centre-back, Jose Gimenez.
The belief now is that Atletico officials are willing to let the 30-year-old Miranda leave (he will turn 31 in September), and the player himself would like to sign one last big deal before he retires.
His current deal with the champions of Spain is set to expire in June 2016, and the Brazilian’s representative is super agent Jorge Mendes.
Miranda was heavily linked with a move away from the Spanish capital this summer, but the club and player ultimately decided it was not the right time for the centre-back to leave.
Last August, Chelsea and Manchester United had bids for the defender rejected. Miranda commented on that interest in early September: “Staying at Atleti was the best for me and my family. I’m very happy to be at Atleti. I love Madrid and this great club.”
Since moving from Sao Paulo in Brazil to Atletico Madrid in 2011, Miranda has been an integral part in Diego Simeone’s renaissance in the Spanish capital. During that time, Los Colchoneros have won the UEFA Super Cup, Europa League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and La Liga title – while finishing Champions League runners-up last season.
In May 2013, Miranda’s header against Real Madrid in the 98th minute ended a 25-game, 14-year winless streak against their cross-city rivals and gave Atletico its first Copa del Rey title since 1996.
The Brazilian defender isn’t the only Atletico player tipped to leave at the end of the season. The agent of Arda Turan has stated he would like his client to move to one of Europe’s top clubs at the conclusion of the 2014-15 campaign.
