Jose Gimenez: 'I had chance to leave Atletico Madrid'

Jose Gimenez has revealed that he turned down a host of interest to remain with Atletico Madrid this summer.

The 19-year-old joined Atletico in 2013, but has thus far struggled to force his way into their first XI due to the presence of Miranda and Diego Godin.

The Uruguay defender started his side's 2-0 win over Espanyol at the weekend, however, and is expected to be more involved during the 2014-15 season.

"I knew I had options in the transfer window. At the time I thought I'd leave, but then I saw that there was a chance that they'd count more on me than last year," Inside Spanish Football quotes the defender as saying.

"I will continue growing here, because the coaching staff is incredible and every day I learn something. It's not easy to play in the Spanish league and even less so in a team like this."

Gimenez represented his country at this summer's World Cup.