Transfer Centre

Koke: 'Time was not right to leave Atletico Madrid'

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 08 October 2014

Koke insists that he does not regret his decision to stay at Atletico Madrid this summer and claims that the La Liga champions can continue to get better.

Koke has insisted that he does not regret his decision to stay at Atletico Madrid during the transfer window.

The 22-year-old midfielder was linked with both Barcelona and Manchester United after playing a leading role in Atletico's first La Liga triumph in 18 years last term.

Diego Simeone lost several of his best players over the summer, but Koke saw no reason to leave as he feels that the capital outfit can overcome the high-profile departures and continue to improve.

"We must thank the interest of Barcelona and other teams, but I'm happy because I want to be here, I've been here all my life and it was not time to go," Koke told Onda Cero.

"The club is growing, we are growing as players - why I would go at the best time of Atletico Madrid?"

Diego Costa and Filipe Luis were sold to Chelsea, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returned to Stamford Bridge following the expiration of his third consecutive season-long loan spell at the Vicente Calderon.

Koke has made 120 La Liga appearances for Madrid since making his debut in 2009, scoring 14 goals.