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Madrid, Jan 28 (IANS) Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke says he is reluctant to leave the Spanish football club despite lucrative offers from abroad.
English clubs Manchester United and Arsenal are believed to be interested in the playmaker. But the Spanish international, approaching his 200th club appearance ahead of his 23rd birthday, said he wants to remain at the club he has supported since his childhood, reports Xinhua.
"I see life in red and white. I'm happy here, the club is growing and I'm growing with it," said Koke Tuesday. "I don't see any time or place when I'd leave. I'm happy to make Atletico fans happy, and I'd like to stay here forever.”
But he was also pragmatic in accepting footballs uncertain tomorrows saying that one could never be certain of the future.
"In football you never know. But if everybody is happy, I'll be at Atletico for many years. You try to think about playing as much as you can for the team you support, and getting to that number (200 appearances) with a big club like Atletico.
I grew up here and it's an honour to have played so many matches in this shirt. But all I am thinking about it is playing more," added Koke.
Koke's next appearance for his club would be in the return leg of the King's Cup quarter-final as Atletico look to overturn a 0-1 first leg deficit at home. He admitted looking forward to the occasion.
"The Vicente Calderon stadium will be spectacular. It will be an amazing night, the stadium will be a furnace and the atmosphere will be incredible as always. Barcelona have an advantage, but we are going to go for the win," the Spanish international concluded.
