News Focus
- Club captain refuses to confirm he will remain at Atlético Madrid next season
- Midfielder spoke after painful Champions League exit against Arsenal
- Koke told reporters “we will talk when it is time” about his contract
- The 34-year-old holds the club record for most appearances
- Supporters fear the veteran could end his 12-year stay at the Metropolitano
Atlético Madrid skipper Koke Resurreccion has cast serious doubt over his future at the Spanish club. The veteran midfielder refused to confirm he will stay beyond this summer when speaking to the media.
The 34-year-old faced reporters immediately after Atlético lost to Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. The Spanish side crashed out of the competition after failing to convert their chances over two legs.
“We are gutted, but I feel proud of this team,” Koke told Movistar+. “We gave everything we had. We created good opportunities, but the ball would not go into the net. They were more clinical than us, and that decided the tie.”
However, it was his response about his own future that caused alarm among supporters. When asked if he would remain at the club, the captain gave a careful answer. “We will speak when the time is right,” he said. “That is all I can say for now.”
These comments have sparked fears that Koke could leave the Metropolitano after more than a decade of service. He currently plays under a rolling contract, though he remains a key starter in Diego Simeone’s midfield.
The Spain international also reflected on the team’s season as a whole. He praised their efforts in cup competitions but admitted their league form was disappointing. “We showed great spirit in the Copa del Rey and Champions League,” he explained. “But in La Liga, we dropped too many points in games we should have won.”
Koke added that the squad contains many young talents who will improve. Players like Pablo Barrios and Marcos Llorente are already preparing to take over midfield duties. The club also knows that Antoine Griezmann will depart this summer.
The defeat brought further controversy when the Mayor of Madrid claimed UEFA did not want Atlético in the final. This followed several disputed penalty decisions during the match against Arsenal.