Tomorrow the kids will wear their Atletico jerseys at school with pride, enthuses Simeone after Europa League win

May 9, 2012 11:25:00 PM

The Argentine coach refused to accept any credit for the tournament triumph, preferring instead to dedicate the success to his players and the club's supporters

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone heaped praise on his players after their 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Europa League, claiming that their heroics had ensured that the club's young fans would be able to wear their replica jerseys with pride in school on Thursday.

The Argentine has already drawn widespread praise for reinvigorating the Rojiblancos since arriving at the Vicente Calderon during the winter break, but he was reluctant to take any more plaudits after the triumph in Bucharest, which came courtesy of a first-half double from Radamel Falcao and an 85th-minute strike from Diego.

Indeed, Simeone was far more concerned with focusing on what the Europa League win meant for everyone connected with the club.

"Tomorrow, when the kids go to school, they will be able to put on the shirt of Atletico Madrid with pride and this is the most wonderful thing," the former Rojiblancos midfielder told reporters after the game.

"The team performed very well and Radamel had an extraordinary match. But the credit goes to all of the players. We have been mapping the road for them but it is they who accomplish things.

"This is a great time to remember all those who have trusted in us."

Simeone's troops must now turn their attention to Sunday's Liga clash with Villarreal, with the Rojiblancos needing to win at El Madrigal if they are to have any chance of pipping Malaga to fourth place, and the Champions League berth which comes with it.

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