Koke: History, not revenge motivating Atletico!
Koke is focused on creating history by helping Atletico Madrid to their first Champions League triumph, not gaining revenge over Real Madrid.
Atletico were moments away from claiming the European trophy for the first time in 2014, but Sergio Ramos’ 93rd-minute goal forced extra time, where Madrid went on to secure a 10th top continental crown by winning 4-1 in Lisbon.
The only previous appearance in the final for Atletico also ended in defeat to Bayern Munich in 1974, the Germans triumphing 4-0 in a replay.
Saturday’s match against Madrid at San Siro is the only thing standing between the club and a maiden Champions League triumph, and Koke believes that will be their greatest motivation.
“It’s a new, great, wonderful opportunity. Revenge isn’t on our minds because no one can go back in time and give us back the Lisbon final,” he told reporters.
“We just want to create history by winning the first Champions League for the club.
“Statistics are there to be broken and to change. Our goal is to come back with the cup.”
Coach Diego Simeone has led Atletico into their second Champions League final in three seasons, changing the atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon.
Simeone has frequently been linked to jobs elsewhere in Europe and has spoken of his desire to coach his former club Inter in the future.
