Tiago Mendes: I Want To Stay At Atletico Madrid

The Portuguese is thoroughly enjoying his stint in Madrid...

By Cyrus C. Malek

Feb 8, 2010 4:46:00 PM

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Tiago, mediocentro del Atlético de Madrid (Getty Images)

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Tiago, mediocentro del Atlético de Madrid (Getty Images)

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Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes, who moved on loan from Juventus in a winter transfer to Atletico de Madrid, has expressed his desire to stay at the Spanish club after the end of the season, prompting the Rojiblancos to exercise the Portuguese's option to buy the holding midfielder for €8 million.

"I want to stay here. We will see if Juve and Atletico have a lot to talk about, but I would like it," said the Portuguese in comments reported by Marca.

In his opening matches with Los Colchoneros, Tiago has earned a place in the Quique Sanchez Flores' starting XI. "It is nice to feel that the coach has confidence in me and it helps me play with more calm. I am very happy. I came here to play and to help Atletico and I am well."

Tiago also expressed his ambitions for his team and despite their standing in 12th place, believes they can be one teams of the best in Europe. "We can be at the top. We aim to reach the Copa del Rey final and we are almost there. After that, we have a lot of Liga left and we need to finish in a Europa League spot, at the very least.

Tiago also expressed that he and the team were happy with the 1-1 draw earned yesterday against Racing Santander and recognised that "it was not an easy match after the 4-0 Copa win here. It was a match in a difficult environment and we are happy for having earned a point."

Asked to comment on the polemic issue of referees, Tiago was dismissive. "This seems to be a popular theme right now because Barcelona and Madrid are always competing, but football is a lot more than such problems. I want to talk about football and don't wish to go there."

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