Juanfran: Diego keen for Madrid stay

Atletico Madrid midfielder Juanfran says his team-mate Diego is keen to join the club on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

The Brazilian playmaker moved to the Vicente Calderon on a season-long loan after falling out with Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath.

Diego has played an important role at the Spanish capital club, which has made Magath consider giving the 27-year-old another chance in the Bundesliga next season.

However, Juanfran said Diego has his mind set on a permanent switch to Atletico and spoke of the importance of the club keeping their prized assets from leaving.

“If we keep this team and get one or two reinforcements, we will have a very competitive squad to play at the highest level,” Juanfran told AS.

“Diego wants to be here and wants to continue to be a player of Atletico. He feels the support of the fans and of the club, who made an important effort to sign him.

“But it does not depend only on him. Wolfsburg will want to get the best out of him, and we will try to make an effort for him.”

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s Europa League final against Athletic Bilbao, Juanfran feels the decider will be a close tussle.

“One year and a half after I arrived at this club, I can win my first title and I want this match to come right away and of course to win it,” the 27-year-old said.

“The fans have to be proud because we are carrying the club’s banner in Europe.

“We have joked about the final, saying we would have preferred to meet a foreign club, because this looks like a Primera Division or Copa del Rey match.

“We know each other very well and I am sure that this will be a very even match until the final minutes.”