From the club's website...

ARMANDO: «ME VOY CONTENTO DEL ATLÉTICO»

Armando Álvarez fue sincero en la rueda de Prensa. «Me han comunicado que no sigo la próxima temporada y es algo lógico. En el mundo del fútbol nada te pilla de sorpresa. He acabado un buen ciclo en el Atlético».



El zaguero reconoce que se va «contento. Vinimos para un objetivo, que no era otro que ascender a Primera y, aunque parece que no fue un mérito, lo cierto es que fue importante para los que estuvimos en ese proyecto».

Lo cierto es que esta temporada no ha tenido muy buena suerte. «Me lesioné y me tuve que operar al final de la temporada pasada y por eso no pude jugar más en Primera».

Fernando Correa fue operado del hombro izquierdo

El delantero uruguayo del Atlético de Madrid Fernando Correa ha sido sometido a una intervención quirúrgica en el hombro izquierdo en la Clínica Fremap de Majadahonda. Según informa el jefe de los servicios médicos del conjunto rojiblanco, José María Villalón, en un parte médico: "Correa fue intervenido quirúrgicamente de inestabilidad del hombro izquierdo (luxación recidivante)" por los doctores Vicente Concejero y Fernando Laredo.

JAVI MORENO DESEA SEGUIR

Javi Moreno, delantero internacional del Atlético de Madrid, ha afirmado este jueves que su deseo es el de continuar la próxima temporada en el conjunto rojiblanco, tras una mala temporada en el aspecto deportivo.

A Javi Moreno le quedan dos temporadas más en el Atlético de Madrid y dejó claro que quiere cumplir su contrato.

"Estoy muy tranquilo con mi temporada en el aspecto personal. Cada año es una historia y la próxima vendré con las mismas ganas y con la misma mentalidad. Espero que salga todo bien", declaró.

"Tengo dos años más de contrato y mi intención es la de seguir aquí. Creo que puedo demostrar más de lo que he hecho esta temporada. Me ilusiona mucho la campaña que viene".

Rangers tell Atletico Madrid to up Arteta offer

Atletico Madrid have offered Rangers £4 million for midfielder Mikel Arteta.

Gers chairman John McClelland said: "I haven't seen any formal bid from Atletico although I have been busy today with the Capucho deal.

"But we would not be jumping into a deal at £4 million. The player says he would prefer to go if he cannot play in Barry Ferguson's position so we have said we will listen to offers. But we will not settle for any old offer.

"He's our player and he is still under contract."

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are also keen.

It still hurt to post this...

Madrid trounces Atletico 4-0, now atop Spanish league

Ronaldo and Raul Gonzalez each scored twice Sunday as Real Madrid crushed crosstown rival Atletico 4-0 to regain the lead over Real Sociedad in the Spanish league with one week to go.

Real Sociedad lost 3-2 at Celta de Vigo and fell two points behind Madrid, which is looking for its record 29th title.

Ronaldo increased his season total to 21 goals and Raul has 16.

Atletico Madrid in talks with Independiente over Milito

Atletico Madrid are stepping up their interest in Independiente defender Gaby Milito.
The youngster is rated the best defender in Argentina and is a target for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

But Atletico sports director Toni Munoz has already opened talks with Independiente following a trip to South America last week.

Munoz has also spoken with Milito's agent, Eduardo Gamarnik. Milito's registration is owned 80 per cent by his club and the rest by Gamarnik.

The youngster can be signed for around £4 million.

Atletico stake claim for Basel ace

Switzerland international Hakan Yakin is on the verge of a move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, according to the player's agent.

The Basel star, who has also been courted by English outfit Liverpool, is believed to have agreed terms with the capital club, with the deal to be confirmed later this week.

"We have reached an agreement on most of the points of the contract and it is to be signed in the forthcoming days," said Yakin's agent Erzik.

However, Basel president Roger Hegi claimed that the club have had not spoken to the Spaniards. "Nobody has contacted the club yet."

Yakin became a hot commodity this season after impressive performances as Christian Gross' side qualified for the Champions League's second group phase.

It's the Derby!

SOLO HABRA 1.300 MADRIDISTAS EN EL CALDER?N

It's the Derby!

Jorge: "Del Real Madrid me quedo con Raul y Zidane"

It's the Derby!

Torres: "A todo el mundo le gusta ganar al Real Madrid porque es el mejor"

El jugador del Atlético Fernando Torres cree que para ganar al Real Madrid deberán hacer un partido perfecto: "Para vencer hay que realizar un partido perfecto. Con el balón te crean peligro en cualquier momento. Hay que quitárselo como sea, ya que cuando lo tienen es muy difícil pararlos".

El delantero tiene la clave para derrotar a los blancos: "El domingo seremos mejores en ilusión y ganas. Por plantilla, son de las mejores del mundo y conocemos nuestras limitaciones, aunque a noventa minutos los nombres no valen nada".

Preparing next year's roster...

Agent: Atletico Madrid on for Rangers' Arteta

The agent of Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta says a move to Atletico Madrid is a definite possibility.

Arteta is close pals with Atletico whiz Fernando Torres and is open to a switch to Madrid.

His agent Miguel Santos said, "There have been no official approaches so far. But, yes, it does seem that is the price that they (Rangers) are generally talking about."

Arteta said: "When the moment arrives to make a decision - whether it's about football, my personal life, or anything else - then I will do what I have to do.

"But when I left Glasgow two weeks ago, in my mind I was already thinking about coming back to start training on July 14. That's all I can say at this time."

It's the Derby!

Madrid derby adds spice to title race

Real Sociedad, the Basque upstarts, are in the driving seat, a point ahead of Real Madrid. And while the aristocrats of Spanish football have a massively superior goal difference, they have shown a tendency to slip up at important moments this season.

Madrid's penultimate game could not be much tougher: they must travel across town to the Vicente Calderon Stadium for the clash with Atletico. The Rojoblancos may be sitting in mid-table, all hopes of a place in Europe next season having disappeared, but they will still be going all out to beat their great rivals.

Indeed, the thought that an Atletico victory could deprive Real Madrid of the title is the best incentive they could have. And with 'golden boy' Fernando Torres showing devastating form against Northern Ireland's Under-21s in Lurgan on Tuesday, Atletico fans are already anticipating a night of celebration on Sunday.

It's the Derby!!

And here are the odds...

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid : Match Result

CONTRERAS TIENE UN PRECONTRATO FIRMADO

Talks continue with Luis...this is really looking like he's going to be here next year!

El Atlético ofrece a Luis Aragonés rebajar su suelo o rescindir el contrato

Luis Aragonés, entrenador del Atlético de Madrid, decidirá en breve si continúa en el Atlético de Madrid, una decisión que podría hacer pública al final de la semana. El representante del técnico, Pepe Navarro, se reunió por la mañana con el presidente rojiblanco, Enrique Cerezo, quien le hizo varias propuestas.

En la reunión, Cerezo ofreció al representante la prolongación del contrato de Luis Aragonés una temporada más, hasta el 30 de junio de 2005, rebajando su ficha, o bien la rescisión del mismo. Una tercera alternativa que baraja el técnico sería, en principio, forzar la situación y cumplir el año que le resta sin más. Sobre cualquiera de ellas podría decidir en las próximas horas, aunque un viaje del presidente podría restrasar la decisión del entrenador

Burgos wants to end career at Atletico

The Argentinian goalkeeper Germán Burgos announced that he wants to end his career at Atlético de Madrid.

"My dream is to end my career at Aleti. The negotiations between the club and my agent are going into the correct direction and I will play here a year or more. My contract expires on June 30 but I hope to have the chance to play a year or more and end my career wearing this shirt."

Asked about what happened with the idea of retiring at River Plate playing a football match with all his friends and then giving a concert with his rock band, Burgos answered: "I don't have any doubt that I will do that as well, I never said that I have decided not to do it, the thing is that I will say goodbye to my career in Spain and then I will have that tribute match in Buenos Aires."

Another who wants to stay..

Emerson Wants Atletico Stay

Looks like Silva now won't be joining...

NO SILVA LINING FOR ATLETICO ...from PA SPORT

Atletico Madrid's plans to make a second swoop on La Liga rivals Malaga look to have suffered a blow following the Blanquiazul team`s refusal to negotiate the sale of striker Dario Silva.

Atletico have already captured the signature of left-sided midfielder Kike Musampa and hoped that, by adding Silva to their squad, they would have a player able to take the weight off youngster Fernando Torres and intimidate opposing defences. Silva, a Uruguayan international, has already stated he doesn't want to stay with his current club following a disagreement over prize money from their successful UEFA Cup campaign. However, with Panama star Dely Valdes, Dario's partner in attack, starting to show his age at 36, Malaga are reluctant to let another of their star players leave and deplete their attacking options further for next season. "At the moment, there is no way we will negotiate the sale of Dario Silva," insisted Malaga`s director general, Antonio Mendoza. "We consider him to be a key part of the club and we are very happy with him "If anyone wants to buy him, they will have to pay his buy out clause.''

Hate to say it, but I don't think they would want him...

JAVI MORENO: "NO VOY A VOLVER AL MILÁN PORQUE YO NO QUIERO"

El delantero valenciano del Atlético de Madrid, Javi Moreno, ha dejado claro que no tiene intención de volver al AC Milán y confía en cumplir los dos años de contrato que tiene firmado con el conjunto rojiblanco.

"No voy a ir a Milán. No voy a volver porque yo no quiero. No quiero hablar de este tema y me iré donde crea oportuno, pero no voy a volver al Milan", se ha mostrado rotundo el de Silla.

Sobre el futuro de Aragonés, que parece que ahora quiere cumplir el año de contrato que le queda, prefiere no hablar. "Es un problema del míster y yo no puedo opinar. No voy a decir lo que nos ha dicho, que lo diga él. El sabrá lo que tiene que hacer y hará lo que crea que tiene que hacer", ha destacado.

Beckham to Barcelona?

El Manchester United admite contactos con el Barcelona por Beckham

Roberto Carlos: "Me fío de los jugadores del Atlético"

Roberto Carlos aseguró en alusión a las dudas sobre la profesionalidad del Atlético, sí fiarse de los jugadores rojiblancos porque son "grandes profesionales y personas responsables", y que no le preocupa "nada" la motivación con la que jueguen los dos últimos partidos ya que no son "los jueces de la Liga. El Atlético tiene tanta historia que no les permite en un partido dejarse ganar. Por respeto al fútbol y al profesionalismo no sería bueno dejarse ganar, por todas las críticas que representaría".

Roberto Carlos señaló que no le molestan las manifestaciones provenientes de la ribera del Manzanares, deseando que el equipo blanco pierda el título. "Me sorprendería que dijeran que quieren al Real Madrid campeón de Liga. La afición no aceptaría declaraciones en favor del Real Madrid". Además considera lógico que el equipo colchonero salga a 'morderles' en el Calderón. "Nosotros saldremos a ganar, que es nuestra obligación. El Real Madrid va a seguir peleando y va a ser un partido muy bonito", señaló.

Steam still rising in La Liga

Of course Atleti is key...

ATLETICO COULD BE KEY TO TITLE RACE - From PA SPORT

Atletico Madrid may end up playing the role of executioner this weekend against Real Madrid, and Primera Liga leaders Real Sociedad would like nothing more.

Atletico have had an uninspiring return to the top flight and go into the penultimate weekend in mid-table, but denying bitter rivals Real a single point could end up securing the championship for Sociedad. Most important for Sociedad is that they control their own destiny with games against Celta Vigo and a season-ending clash against Atletico.They are currently one point clear of Real Madrid.

"The league depends on us; we have to face Celta and then Atletico," said Sociedad's Javier de Pedro. However, he conceded: "The fact is they (Atletico) have a derby the week before and I suppose they'll really want to beat Madrid. A Madrid derby is always special, with more rivalry.'' Even more reassuring for Sociedad has been their capacity to put together strong performances against Atletico. "It's very good Atletico are in the middle, they are a team we usually do well against,'' he told Marca.
"If I had to chose a side to be the judge of the league, I couldn't choose one better.'' Atletico's fans would like nothing better than to deny their hated neighbours the league title, and according to Atletico captain Carlos Aguillera, some of the players feel the same. "I wouldn't like Real Madrid to win the league," he admitted, although he doubted just how important his side would be in the final outcome. "We neither give nor take away; we have to fulfil our obligation, but if Madrid lose to us things will be very complicated for them,'' he said.

Why don't they just admit it...

LOS JUGADORES AFECTADOS POR EL "CASO HESPERIA" PIDEN LA EJECUCIÓN DE LA SENTENCIA

Los cinco jugadores de futbol del F.C. Barcelona que demandaron a Telemadrid y micanoa.com (hoy, diariodirecto.com) en el conocido como "Caso Hesperia" han solicitado la ejecución de la sentencia judicial, según fuentes jurídicas consultadas por Europa Press.

Mediante esta sentencia, acordada por el Juzgado de Primera Instancia de Barcelona el pasado 7 de febrero, ambos medios debían abonar a los futbolistas un total de 120.000 euros en concepto de indemnización por intromisión ilegítima en los derechos al honor y a la intimidad.

Ambos medios, entre otros muchos, publicaron que los jugadores habían mantenido presuntamente una fiesta privada en un hotel madrileño durante una concentración previa a un partido con el Rayo Vallecano, que el Barça perdió.

La solicitud de los cinco jugadores (Kluivert, Cocu, Gabri, Gerard y Dani) ante el Juzgado reabre igualmente la polémica periodística en torno a la nueva Ley de Enjuicimiento Civil, que faculta a los jueces para acordar el pago inmediato de las indemnizaciones acordadas en primera instancia, antes de que el condenado haya recurrido a instancias superiores.

Please stay Luis!

CEREZO: "NO SÉ SI LUIS SE QUEDA, SI SE MARCHA O QUÉ HACE"

El presidente del Atlético de Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, no sabe quién será el entrenador del equipo rojiblanco para la próxima temporada, tras las últimas declaraciones de Luis Aragonés en las que señala que podría cumplir su contrato tras la salida de Jesús Gil de la presidencia.

"No sé si se queda, si se marcha o qué hace. No queremos tener a nadie que no esté a gusto con nosotros o que diga que su ciclo en el Atlético de Madrid ha terminado", ha comentado el productor en alusión a las palabras del 'Sabio de Hortaleza'.

Enrique Cerezo, que se estrena al frente de la presidencia atlética, deberá hacer frente al futuro del entrenador. "Todo lo que sé es por la prensa y lo que dijo Aragonés, que se marcha y renunciaba al segundo año de contrato. Siete días después parece que dijo que le gustaría seguir, pero no he hablado con él y nosotros no hemos hecho ninguna declaración al respecto", ha dicho.

My heart goes out...

Hierro, Ronaldo y Flavio no asistieron al entrenamiento ...from EFE

Vicente del Bosque, entrenador del Real Madrid, apenas pudo contar con diez jugadores en el entrenamiento de hoy, ya que a las bajas de los jugadores internacionales se sumaron, por distintos motivos, las de Fernando Hierro, Ronaldo y Flavio.

El capitán acudió al sepelio del padre de Michel Salgado en el cementerio de Pereiró, en Vigo, mientras que Ronaldo y Flavio se desplazaron hasta Amsterdam para asistir al homenaje del jugador holandés Aron Winter.

Ausentes los internacionales españoles: Raúl, Morientes, Guti, Casillas, Michel Salgado, Helguera y Raúl Bravo; Miñambres con la selección sub 21; Figo con Portugal y los argentinos Cambiasso y Solari, Del Bosque sólo pudo contar con: Roberto Carlos, Zidane, Makelele, Tote, Pavón, Portillo, Celades, McManaman y César. Carlos Sánchez fue el décimo.

Aguilera: "No me gustaría que el Real Madrid ganara la Liga"

Raul just stinks, playing the "clean, little boy..."

Raúl: "Los árbitros hacen siempre lo correcto"

Atletico star expects to go

Atletico Madrid striker Jose Mari admits his days at the club look numbered as he prepares for the clash with a Deportivo La Coruna side whose title prospects now look to have fallen by the wayside.

Atletico are in a transition phase after president Jesus Gil ended 16 years in charge of the Rojiblancos when he finally left the club and was replaced by Enrique Cerezo.

ATLETICO MOVE FOR GREGORY

JOHN GREGORY is being lined up to be the next boss of fallen Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

Less than 48 hours after his appeal against dismissal for alleged serious misconduct was thrown out by Derby chairman Lionel Pickering, Gregory's career could be back with a £1million per year job.

With Gregory promising to fight the Rams for £2 million compensation plus massive damages in the High Court, the door seemed temporarily shut in his face regarding a job in English football

In fairness, Deportivo was a team, and deserved to win. Still it hurts.

Deportivo beats Atletico 3-2 in Spanish league

Midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron netted the winning goal Sunday as a 10-man Deportivo de La Coruna came from behind to defeat Atletico de Madrid 3-2 in a 36th-round match to keep its Spanish league title hopes alive.
Deportivo, which survived the ejection of Moroccan international defender Noureddine Naybet after six minutes, moves within three points of leader Real Sociedad to 69 points, but has just two matches to play.

Sociedad, which has three matches remaining, was hosting Valencia later Sunday.

And the signing starts...

Malaga's Musampa agrees 5-year Atletico Madrid deal

Malaga midfielder Kiki Musampa has agreed terms with Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract.
The Holland international was in Madrid yesterday for his medical and will join Atletico at the end of the season.

Musampa has reached an agreement with Malaga that will see him receive 15 per cent of his transfer fee.

However, there is still some disagreement between the parties over image rights fees and bonuses.

His second half was pretty decent, although quite a slow start...

Atletico Madrid in Milan talks over Coloccini

Atletico Madrid are seeking to extend the loan of AC Milan defender Fabricio Coloccini.
The Argentine has been a big hit at Atletico this season and is keen to remain in the Spanish Liga.

Atletico hope to secure Coloccini for another season-long loan and the young centre-half said: "I know that Atletico and Milan are speaking about my future, but it will probably be Thursday or Friday when my representative arrives, when everything is solved."