Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has insisted that he would not consider taking charge of arch-rivals Real Madrid, even if a mega-money deal were offered.
The Argentine is regarded as one of the best coaches in the game after guiding Atletico to their first La Liga title since 1996 last term and he has been linked with a move elsewhere on more than one occasion.
Striker Fernando Torres admitted the former midfielder is always likely to be inundated with offers, but the 44-year-old himself has assured fans of Atletico – and Argentina – that he could never bring himself to coach a rival side.
“Would I coach Real Madrid or Brazil if I was offered the best contract imaginable and unlimited funds? I think I’d have to pass on that and say goodbye to the money,” Simeone told the official Fifa website.
The Atletico boss did admit that he is keen to coach Argentina’s national team at some point in the future, however.
“I was not offered the Argentina job after the World Cup, but I know it’ll happen one day,” he continued.
“I’ve always said in the national team you have room for what I call the son, father and grandfather types. In coaching terms, I think it’s a place for a grandfather – someone more serene and composed who can see things in a different way.
“I still feel I need to be on the pitch, doing training and being with players day-in, day-out. The national team cannot give you that.
“Is it something I’d like to do one day? Absolutely! I spent 12 or 14 years with the team – it was a privileged time and very much part of my life. Hopefully it will come to pass at the perfect time for both parties.”
