Atletico Madrid were just minutes away from winning the Champions League final last night in Lisbon until in stoppage time Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos scored with a header to take the match into extra time and eventual win 4-1 thanks to goals from Gareth Bale and substitute Marcelo and a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite losing in such a dramatic way Simeone said he was proud of his team, and the fact they had clinched the La Liga title at the weekend for the first time since 1996.
When speaking to Sky Sports he said: “It’s a painful defeat when you give 100%. Now we have to rest for next season. I’m proud of my players.
“I told my player that it’s pointless to cry. They must be proud of themselves and think of next season.
“I don’t feel sadness, just bitterness that I didn’t achieve objectives. In life, one day you have everything, the next, nothing.
“Our fans should be proud of our excellent season and not waste a second being sad. I give my players 9 1/2 out of 10.”
Simeone took a gamble starting star striker Diego Costa after having seen him limp of the pitch with a hamstring injury a week earlier in the title winning game against Barcelona. Sadly for Simeone the gamble did not pay off and Costa had to leave the pitch after just nine minutes.
Simeone added: “It was my responsibility and obviously I made a mistake.”
