Koke leaves Atlético future open after Arsenal semifinal defeat

TL;DR

Koke expressed pride in Atlético Madrid's effort despite a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. He left his future with the club open, stating discussions will happen later.

Key points

Koke expressed pride in Atlético Madrid's effort
Atlético lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the semifinals
Koke left his future with the club open
He acknowledged the team's missed chances
Koke commented on the refereeing without criticism

Mentioned in this story

Koke

Atlético de MadridArsenal FC

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Koke of Atletico de Madrid gestures a shirt pull as he speaks to Referee Daniel Siebert during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Atlético Madrid captain Koke spoke to Movistar after the conclusion of a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Looking emotional, the veteran faced up to the cameras on behalf of the players. “We’re really gutted, but I’m leaving here proud of the team, we gave it our all,” the midfielder reflected. “We had chances, but the ball just wouldn’t go in; the same thing happened in the first leg. We had them on the ropes at many points, but football is about clinical finishing, and they were more clinical. They were deserved winners.”

Koke on chances in the first leg

“At the Metropolitano and here, to take the lead and then to tie it up. That’s football; you have to be decisive in both boxes.”

Koke on refereeing

“I’m not going to comment. He probably tried his best, just as I said in the first leg. I’m not going to comment. He knows how he refereed; he probably tried his best. I have nothing to say.”

Q&A

What did Koke say about Atlético Madrid's performance against Arsenal?

Koke stated he was proud of the team's effort, acknowledging they had chances but were ultimately less clinical than Arsenal.

What are Koke's thoughts on his future with Atlético Madrid?

Koke mentioned that discussions regarding his future will take place when the time comes, leaving it open-ended.

How did Koke evaluate the refereeing in the match against Arsenal?

Koke refrained from commenting on the refereeing, suggesting the referee tried his best and he had nothing further to say.