Former Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez has claimed that boss Diego Simone deserves a statue in hi honour at the club.
Simeone took charge of the club in 2011 and has transformed Atleti into a European powerhouse.
The Argentine led the Los Rojiblancos to a famous La Liga title win in 2013/14 season, while also guiding the team to two Champions League finals.
“Simeone deserves a statue in his honour,” the 35-year-old, who played at Vicente Calderon between 2005 and 2010, told reporters.
“When I was at Atletico, we lacked quality, but a few years ago with Cholo, there has been a great jump in quality. Years ago, it was always a good team, that’s for sure. But during my time, it was a sleeping giant.”
“With a great tactician like Simeone, now Atletico have nothing to envy of Real Madrid or Barcelona.”
“It is difficult to compete with these clubs, but the team set up by El Cholo has already become a La Liga champion and reached two Champions League finals, which is far from easy.”
“Simeone is an intelligent, capable and motivational coach. I had the chance to share a few training sessions with him and he has always been the same.”
“For him, it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.”