Thursday 26 April 2018 07:31, UK
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says he has had no talks with Arsenal over replacing Arsene Wenger when he leaves at the end of the season.
The Argentine has been linked to take over from the Frenchman, who announced on Friday he will leave the Emirates after 22-years, and suggested on Wednesday the timing of his departure was not his decision.
Simeone said: "I have not spoken with anyone at Arsenal. I love it here at Atletico."
Atletico and Arsenal will meet in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at the Emirates on Thursday night. The only time the two sides have met previously was in the 2009 Club Friendlies competition where Arsenal won 2-1.
As it stands it marks the start of Wenger's last six games in charge of the north London club - depending on whether they make it to the final - and Simeone was full of praise for the man who has brought three Premier League titles to Arsenal.
"The first thing that comes to mind is admiration. He's a fantastic coach, a fantastic professional, he's got amazing ability that he has been able to remain at the helm at a club so important like Arsenal," he added.
"It means, I am sure, he has had to reinvent himself a number of times. I see myself as quite a young coach still but I want to observe him and learn from him.
"I think the best word is admiration, when you look at the career Wenger has had, we are both coaches and it's very difficult too stay at this level because you are always competing and putting yourself on the line.
"When your team does well people demand more of you, more victories and that can't always happen. But I think the position he occupies and has occupied has been wonderful in football."
Diego Costa could face Arsenal tomorrow despite Simeone saying at the weekend he had "no chance" of playing due to a hamstring injury.
Costa has scored three goals and won four games out of five in the Premier League against Wenger's side during his spell at Chelsea.
Simeone said: "Both in England and in Spain many teams have suffered at the hands of Costa not just Arsenal. He has improved, he trained hard yesterday and he will train today.
"Based on what we see fit he will either play from the start or from the bench."
Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports.
