Barcelona? I want to retire at Atletico Madrid – Saul

Saul Niguez has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last year, but he has no intention of ever leaving Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez intends to retire at the club despite reported interest from the likes of Barcelona.

Saul came through the ranks at Atletico and has established himself as a key player under Diego Simeone. Although he is still just 23, this season is Saul's fifth successive campaign in the Atletico first team, with his versatility proving a key part in the club winning five trophies, including two Europa League triumphs.

READ | Saul backs Griezmann for Ballon d'Or

Barcelona was strongly linked with Saul in pre-season, while he felt compelled to say a move to Real Madrid was "unthinkable" in September.

However Atletico can feel safe in the knowledge that the Spain international never wants to leave the club, having signed a nine-year deal in 2017.

When asked whether he will retire at Atletico, Saul told Radio Nacional Espana: "That's why I signed a long-term contract. That's my intention, to be at Atletico Madrid all my life, but in the world of football you never know. For me, yes [I want to retire at Atletico], but maybe I have a bad couple of years and then they grow to not love me anymore."