Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone apologised for his gesture of celebration against Juventus and shrugged off Diego Godin’s imminent Inter move.
The tactician pointed to his groin to show he had ‘cojones’ during the 2-0 Champions League victory on Wednesday and could get a fine or suspension from UEFA, as he is not new to such outlandish touchline antics.
Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone apologised for his gesture of celebration against Juventus and shrugged off Diego Godin’s imminent Inter move.
The tactician pointed to his groin to show he had ‘cojones’ during the 2-0 Champions League victory on Wednesday and could get a fine or suspension from UEFA, as he is not new to such outlandish touchline antics.
“You all know that I am not seeking excuses or justification. I want to apologise once again to anyone who felt offended by Wednesday’s gesture,” said Simeone in his Press conference today.
“I chose a bad way of expressing how I felt towards my players. It was in no way aimed at Juventus. I had made the same gesture when playing for Lazio against Bologna, I did it again to show the cojones, so it wasn’t towards the Juve fans.
“I admit, it’s not a nice gesture, but it was a tense match. I let out what I felt at the time and I apologise.”
Similarly, Simeone was in no position to criticise Cristiano Ronaldo for repeatedly waving five fingers at Atleti players, pointing out he had won five Champions League trophies.
“I understand all these things can happen in football.”
Ahead of Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna, Inter director Beppe Marotta confirmed to Sky Sport Italia that they were “confident of making an official announcement soon” for Godin.
The Uruguay international’s contract is due to expire in June, so he is free to negotiate a new deal with another club.
“I can’t say anything about that, because I don’t know the situation,” noted Simeone.
“If Godin or Atletico Madrid have to say something, they will say it.”