Mario Mandzukic has expressed his happiness with how things have gone for him at Atletico Madrid since arriving at the club.
The Croatian striker joined Los Colchoneros from Bayern Munich last July and has proved a capable replacement for Diego Costa, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, although reports linking him with a move to the Premier League have refused to die down.
“I’m already at a big team. I’ve never considered leaving Atletico because I’m happy here,” he riposted.
“The media exaggerate little things. They write that I’m not happy [at the club] when everyone could see in the derby how happy I am at Atletico.
“Fernando and I get along very well. He’s a great player. At every big club, there are always great players, so there’s always competition, but we’re here for Atletico’s success, not individual success.
“I’ve praised [Diego Simeone] many times. Again, my decision to join Atletico was mostly because of him. I like the way he leads training, how he prepares the team and motivates his players.
“He stopped being a player not long ago and transmits all the positive energy he [once] had onto the pitch. He’s a great Coach and I hope to continue working with him for as long as possible.
“For us, it was important to have a good game, fight and win and that’s what we did. I’m very pleased that we overcame Real Madrid, although I didn’t score.
“I would’ve been delighted with a goal, but for me it doesn’t matter who scores. What matters is which team win the game.”