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Diego Simeone hints at possible Atletico Madrid exit after Champions League heartbreak

La delusione di Diego Simeone (getty)
Image: Diego Simeone was in reflective mood after a second Champions League final defeat in two years

Diego Simeone hinted at a possible Atletico Madrid exit after an agonising Champions League final defeat to rivals Real Madrid.

Simeone's side were beaten 5-3 on penalties in a finale that finished 1-1 after 120 minutes, Yannick Carrasco forcing extra-time following Sergio Ramos' opener for Real.

But Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning spot-kick at the San Siro after Juanfran's effort came back off the post, leaving Atletico beaten in the showpiece for the second time in three years.

Juanfran of Atletico Madrid is dejected after missing a penalty in the Champions League final
Image: Juanfran of Atletico Madrid is dejected after missing a penalty in the Champions League final

The 46-year-old Argentine said he was hurting after his side's failure - and then raised doubts about his future at the Vicente Calderon.

"Do I have to continue with Atletico or is it the end of a cycle? I have to think about that," Simeone told reporters.

"It (defeat) puts a lot of years on you. Congratulations to Real Madrid - once again they were superior to us, this time at penalties.

Real Madrid players celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo scores the winning penalty in the Champions League final
Image: Real Madrid players celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo scores the winning penalty in the Champions League final

"We started the game badly, then we got ourselves organised from the 20th minute. In the second half we could have equalised very quickly but our intention was clear.

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"What really hurts me is to see the hurt of the people who've paid to come here - I feel a bit responsible that I wasn't able to give them what they wanted. That's what really hurts. I feel responsible for the fans who have bought their tickets.

"I'm proud of my players, they've made an extraordinary effort, to beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich (in earlier rounds). The effort was really tremendous."

Atletico have still never lifted the European Cup, having lost the 1974 final to Bayern Munich in a replay.

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