Koke expressed deep disappointment yet pride in his team’s effort after a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semifinals on May 5, 2026, in London.
Koke, the captain of Atlético Madrid, stated, “We’re really gutted, but I’m leaving here proud of the team, we gave it our all.” The match saw Atlético Madrid create several scoring opportunities but fail to convert them.
Despite the defeat, Koke highlighted the team’s performance. He noted that they had chances to score but lacked consistency throughout the season. This inconsistency also affected their La Liga campaign.
Koke reflected on their earlier Copa del Rey exit, where they lost on penalties. He mentioned that the squad is evolving with young players contributing to their development.
Looking ahead, Koke indicated he would discuss his future when appropriate. “We will talk when it’s time to talk,” he said, becoming emotional as he considered his own career trajectory.
This season has been marked by ups and downs for Atlético Madrid under coach Diego Simeone. They showed promise in both domestic and European competitions but ultimately fell short.