Madrid, Jan 2 (IANS) Atletico Madrid’s former Spanish international Jose Antonio Reyes Monday confirmed that he had told the club that he wants to return to Sevilla, where he began his career.
Reyes, who has also played for Arsenal and Real Madrid, had a public fall out with former Atletico coach Gregorio Manzano earlier this season.
When Manzano was sacked before Christmas and replaced by Pablo Simeone as Atletico coach, it was thought Reyes would change his mind about a move away from Atletico, but the chance to return to his roots is proving too tempting for the winger.
‘Sevilla are giving me the chance to return home. It is a chance that I have on the table that may not happen again and I want to take advantage of it now. I think it is the best for me and it is the time to make the move,’ said Reyes in sports paper Diario AS.
‘I am happy at Atletico, it is a fantastic club and I am very grateful to the fans, the employees and the owners, who have all treated me really well. But I left Sevilla when I was young and I think this is the best time both for myself and my family to return home,’ he insisted.
Reyes admitted the change of coach could have seen him stay in Madrid, but added that Sevilla’s offer had been a key factor, as had the fact that his father had recently undergone an operation and moving back to Sevilla allowed him the chance to be close to his family.
‘I have spoken to Simeone and said that I want to leave. I have to be honest with Atletico because my head is now elsewhere,’ admitted Reyes.
