Diego Simeone hints he could QUIT Atletico Madrid after 12 years with club 16 points off Barcelona in LaLiga

DIEGO SIMEONE has hinted he could QUIT Atletico Madrid after 12 years at the helm.

The Argentine made the stunning revelation after crashing out of the Copa del Rey to Real Madrid this week.

EPADiego Simeone has hinted it could be his final season at Atletico Madrid[/caption]

And with Barcelona 16 points ahead in the title race, Atleti fans could be witnessing the final days of their beloved boss.

Simeone, 52, has been in charge of the capital club since December 2011 after spending five years there as a player.

During his time in charge, Atletico have won two titles, two Europa Leagues and two Copa del Reys, while also reaching two Champions League finals.

However, this season has been a struggle for Simeone in all competitions.

Atletico were first knocked out of the Champions League group stage after finishing bottom of the pile.

And a shoddy run in LaLiga sees them sit in joint-fourth, 10 points off Real and 16 behind leaders Barcelona.

Atletico don’t even have the Copa del Rey to play for after Real beat them 3-1 in Thursday’s quarter final.

And it means Simeone’s future is under the spotlight just a week after signing Barcelona’s Memphis Depay.

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Sacked Spain boss Luis Enrique is reportedly being lined up as Simeone’s successor by Atletico chiefs.

Meanwhile, ex-Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel is targeting a top LaLiga job as he learns Spanish,

But Simeone himself has now fanned the flames by admitting his future rests on how Atletico – who have nothing left to play for – “finish the season.”

He declared: “My contract depends a lot on how we finish the club. Every season finale we get together to see how we continue.

“This year will not be the exception. It is more complex than what you suggest. You will find out when the season ends what will happen.”