Simeone close to signing extension to Atletico contract

After Atletico Madrid clinched their place in the Champions League quarter-finals last night, beating Bayer Leverkusen on penalties, manager Diego Simeone’s agent announced it was very likely he would continue to manage the club after his current contract expires in 2017.

Simeone, who is represented by his sister Natalia Simeone, was a former Atletico Madrid and Argentina national team player, and has been managing the team since 2011.

His run in charge of Atletico has been incredibly successful, making them one of the most successful Spanish teams, winning the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Europa League titles.

After last night’s nail-biting victory, he said: “I loved it. As I watched the match ending I could see we were back again among the best eight teams in Europe with Atletico Madrid in a stadium that was erupting. It left me with goosepimples.

“The fans delight me. The supporters don’t realise the strength they give the players.”