According to reports from Goal.com this morning, Atletico Madrid star Koke hopes to remain at Vincente Calderon for the rest of his career.
The 23 year-old is one of European football’s most impressive young talents, boasting eleven goals and 32 assists in his last 103 league appearances and playing a pivotal role in the Mattress Makers claiming a Europa League title, a Copa del Rey and a La Liga title over the last four seasons.
The Spain international been mooted as a potential replacement for iconic playmaker Xavi at Barcelona and also a potential target of Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United, who were both linked with him earlier this season – as revealed by This Is Futbol. Reports even claimed Chelsea were preparing a swap deal involving former Atletico defender Filipe Luis for the summer window.
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But Koke has poured cold water on the notion of a move to the Premier League – or for that matter, any club – claiming he wants to stay with Atletico for his whole career.
In an interview with Goal.com, the 16-cap international said; “Last summer I knew there was an interest from Barcelona in me. But my head was at Atletico Madrid. I grew up here, and did not have that need to go. I’m very comfortable here, and for now I don’t see the need to go.
“Real Madrid also tried to prise me away when I was with the Under-16 team. But Atletico said it would not happen. And thank God, I’m still here. Hopefully I can be a one-club man and win a lot with Atletico.
“The goodbyes to [Steven] Gerrard and Xavi [when each left Liverpool and Barcelona respectively] were spectacular. They only played for the same club in their careers, and it was very beautiful,” he added.