Atletico Madrid's Pablo Barrios quashes loan move rumours

The midfielder addressed the swirling rumours about a potential loan move to UD Las Palmas for the upcoming season in an interview with MARCA.

Barrios was clear in his denial, and stated, "I don't know where these rumours came from. I heard them too, but they're not true. My future is here at Atleti.

"I'm very happy, and I hope to stay for many years. My only focus is on remaining here."

Atletico Madrid are busy preparing their squad for the next campaign, and manager Diego Simeone is faced with the task of deciding which players will form part of his plans.

Barrios acknowledged that communication with the manager could be crucial in securing his place in the squad: "I haven't spoken to him recently, but I did at the start of pre-season. As I've said, I'm not thinking about anything other than Atleti."

One player who will not be part of the squad next season is Alvaro Morata, who is set to join AC Milan. Barrios expressed his disappointment over Morata's departure: "It's a shame because he's a great teammate who helped me a lot when I first came up. He's one of the best people I've met in football."

Barrios also criticised the treatment Morata has received, particularly from Spanish critics. "He's faced a lot of harsh criticism, and sadly, it's come from people in our own country, whether he was playing for Atleti or the national team," Barrios remarked.

Currently focused on the Olympic Games with the Spanish U23 team, Barrios is facing one of the biggest challenges of his young career. "It's a unique opportunity and a wonderful experience. In football, everyone talks about the Euros or World Cups, but for any athlete, the Olympic Games are the most significant event.

"It's also amazing to be in the Olympic Village with athletes from other disciplines."

Spain are one of the favourites to win Olympic gold, a feat they haven't achieved since the 1992 Barcelona Games. The opportunity to emulate this success comes on the back of the senior team's triumph in the Euro 2024, setting a high bar for the U23 squad representing La Roja in Paris.

Barrios acknowledges the challenge, and said, "Luis de La Fuente's team has set the bar very high, but they are an example to follow."

Despite the upcoming opener against Uzbekistan being perceived as an easy fixture by many, Barrios warned of the dangers posed by their opponents. "It's a strong team, even if people don't know them well. The manager has explained how they play," he concluded.