SportsPosted at: Jun 6 2025 6:17PM


Club World Cup major motivation for Atletico Madrid: Koke

Madrid, June 6 (UNI) Atletico Madrid captain Koke said the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup serves as a major source of motivation for his side, as Atletico join city rivals Real Madrid in representing Spain at the tournament in the United States.
The 33-year-old midfielder recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Atletico until June 2026, extending his long-standing tenure with the club.
"I'm very excited and very happy to be here for another season, and I hope it's a historic season and we can achieve many great things," said Koke.
"My new deal meant I had done a very good job." Looking ahead to the Club World Cup, he added, "It motivates Atletico Madrid a lot, as we were able to qualify."
The timing of the tournament presents a challenge, with several players away on international duty during the lead-up. Nonetheless, Koke said the squad is making the most of its preparations.
"Those of us who have stayed here with the hope of being able to perform at our best physically are preparing very well and training very hard, with some kids from the youth academy also helping us."
Atletico is in a group with Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders, Brazilian outfit Botafogo, and UEFA Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain. PSG, which crushed Inter Milan last Saturday to win the European title, enters the tournament as the heavy favorite.
Atletico opens its campaign against PSG on June 15. Koke acknowledged the difficulty of the match but pointed to past success for encouragement. "It's going to be a very difficult match," he said.
"We know how they play. They have possession, they take the ball away from you a lot, but I'm sure we're going to play well. It would be good to win because for me, the first match is what really defines the tournament, because starting off with a win gives you a little more peace of mind in the group."
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