I want to be Atletico Madrid's Steven Gerrard: Koke

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has reaffirmed his commitment to the La Liga side. He said that he wants to emulate what Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has done with his boyhood club.

Having learned his trade in the Atletico youth set-up just like Gerrard with Liverpool, Koke said that he wants to stay with the club.

Amidst transfer speculation to big clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea, the 23-year-old stated his desire to continue with last season’s Liga champions.

“I have a contract with Atletico, I want to accomplish things and I am happy here,” Koke said. “Of course I'd like to be Atleti's Gerrard.”

“What happened with Iker Casillas is a true injustice”

Gerrard, who recently announced his departure from Liverpool after a 27-year association, was given a sensational farewell by the club and supporters apart from the tributes coming in from all corners of the world.

However, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who like Gerrard came through his club’s youth system and has been a one-club man, has been at the receiving end of some of the abuse by the fans.

Koke thinks the reaction to his fellow Spaniard is unfair and he should be lauded just like Gerrard is.

The Atleti midfielder admitted, “With Iker we all know him, I wouldn't like to be in his skin after what has happened at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. It is a true injustice.

“A week ago we saw the goodbye to Gerrard at Liverpool and now you see Casillas, who is a symbol, who is being whistled and it is unfair.”

Koke, who came through Atletico’s youth ranks back in 2009, refused to talk about the future of former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea. The Manchester United goalkeeper has been linked with Atleti’s derby rivals, Real Madrid.

“David is a good friend of mine and at the moment he is a player of Manchester. If someday he is a Madrid player I'll have an opinion,” Koke said.