Atletico Madrid legend reveals he 'surprised' Diego Simeone after being told he was no longer needed and hints at why Argentine coach could leave next summer

Saul played 427 times for Atletico Madrid across all competitions, scoring 48 goals and providing 26 assists, including his famous goal against Bayern Munich in the semi-final of the Champions League in 2016. During his time at the club, he won one La Liga title, two Europa League titles, and reached the final of the 2015-16 Champions League. After 10 seasons with Atletico’s senior team across three spells, Saul bid farewell to the club and joined Brazilian side Flamengo.

In an interview with Cadena SER, Saul opened up about his candid conversation with Simeone and recounted the moment he was told he was no longer part of the team, saying: “The season I was about to leave, he came to me and told me he wasn't counting on me. He was even surprised by how I responded; I just thanked him. It's hard to tell a player who's been with you for so many years: 'Hey, next year I'd rather you weren't here. I'd rather count on other players.' You can hold things against him, but I was the complete opposite. Boss, you've given me the opportunity to fulfill my dream, to play for Atlético Madrid. You've taught me a lot, thank you.' I'll find my way, if you can help me with that.'"

Not all was well between Saul and the club, though, as he took aim at director Andrea Berta, now at Arsenal, adding: "I've always been straightforward. There are other people who haven't been straightforward, and that's what has hurt me the most personally.”

Saul heaped further praise on Simeone, who has been at the helm of the team since 2011, saying the Argentine has a special talent for getting the best out of his side. However, he suggested the coach will leave if he feels his influence decrease.

"Live in the moment. If the season ends with the message not getting through, he'll leave," he said. "When I came back from Chelsea three years ago, I saw that he was worn out. But then he had four good games and continued with his winning mentality. The message gets through, Cholo has that gift, he convinces you. He leads by example, whether in training or in a friendly match. Right now? He's going to be around for many more years, he has a winning team, the club is growing, why leave?"

Saul will now look to put the issues surrounding his Atletico exit behind him and focus on recovering from his ankle injury. The midfielder, who missed Flamengo’s league game against Bahia, will hope to return soon and help his side as they sit just three points behind league leaders Palmeiras.