Diego Simeone has revealed that his current deal with Atletico Madrid has been shortened to July 2018 - two years earlier than initially agreed.
The 46-year-old opted to remain in charge of the Rojiblancos this season despite suggestions that he was ready to move on, following a second Champions League final defeat to rivals Real Madrid in the space of three years.
Simeone, who is the longest-serving manager in La Liga, insists that 'nothing has changed' and he will simply renegotiate a new contract in two years' time if all parties are happy.
"We have spoken with the club and made the best decisions for the club and the team; we've 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," he is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
"It's us showing what we feel for the club by our deeds. Everyone can relax, we're fine. We needed to do what we feel is fair; we understand that it's an important situation for all of us but what is written in contracts is private. The only thing I ask is that the lads in the team give their heart and soul. In two years' time we can renew and sign a new deal, it doesn't mean it's the end."
Atletico beat Celta Vigo 4-0 last weekend to recover from a sticky start to the season, as they were held by newly-promoted duo Leganes and Alaves in the opening weeks.
Daniel Lewis
