Argentine midfielder Diego Simeone has announced he is leaving Spanish football club Atletico Madrid to join Racing Avellaneda in the Argentine league.
Simeone told reporters at Atletico's Vicente Calderon Stadium Tuesday the decision was based on his lack of playing time under coach Cesar Ferrando. The 34-year-old player said he does not have a lot of time left to show he can still play at the top level.
The midfielder also said he was "really excited" to return to the Argentine league after 14 years. Simeone, who is Argentina's most capped player with 103 appearances, said his decision had come from the heart, and in his words, "you must always pay attention to your heart."
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo called Simeone an "emblematic player who had given his all" and said he was sorry to see him leave.
Some information for this story provided by AFP and AP.