Mario Suarez: If I can do it again, I will stay at Atletico until I am driven away

Hupu September 25th Mario Suarez, a legend of Atletico Madrid, won two European Super Cups, one Europa League, one Cup of Kings, one La Liga and one Spanish Super Cup with the team. He was still busy after hanging up his boots, running SUMA Real Estate and Café de Finca with his brother Sergio. Additionally, he is a commentator on ESPN and Spanish National Television and has just launched his new show, Mario Road. He was interviewed by the media before Atletico Madrid vs. Vallecano.

How did you join Atletico Madrid?

My childhood coach was also an Atletico Madrid scout. He wanted to take me there. If I wanted to participate in that championship, I would have to sign with Atletico Madrid for two years. My parents were hesitant at the time, but from there, I went through the entire youth training system of Atletico Madrid until I made my debut in the first team.

Who was your childhood idol?

I don't have any idols, but as time goes by, I began to pay attention to some midfielders, such as Guardiola, Redondo, Alonso, Vieira...

Did Real Madrid ever want to sign you?

We have been our opponents since our youth team and there is competition. They have been trying to sign me since the junior team and call my dad, but I decided to stay and I never regret it.

What are the best and worst moments at Atletico Madrid?

When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming an Atletico Madrid player, winning the championship, scoring a goal at Calderon Stadium and being selected for the national team. Fortunately, all of this I achieved. The best moments are the moments when we win the championship, not only when we win the championship, but also when we bring the trophy back to Calderon. The worst moments are when you get injured and lose the Champions League final.

What was your mood when you left Atletico Madrid?

If I have anything to regret, it is such a difficult decision to leave the team in my life. If I had the maturity of the end of my career, I wouldn't have left, but I didn't do well at the time, both on my personal level and on the relationship with Simeone. This decision made me who I am today, allowing me to play football in Italy, England, China... and Vallecano. Not that I regret it, but if I could do it again, I would stay at Atletico until they drove me away.

What do you think of the current Atletico Madrid team?

points are less than our expectations. Although the play was not gorgeous, it performed well in stages. This year Simeone tried to implement a longer high-pressure in the opponent's half. The problem is that there is insufficient lethality inside and outside the penalty area.

What do you think of Simeone?

He deserves more trust and he is trying to innovate himself...but things are not going well. This year he has a lot of new players who need to adapt, and I believe the situation will improve.

Cock is awesome to adapt to his new role!

He deserves his playing time, except for Barrios, I don't see other midfielders worthy of the main player. Neither Gallagher nor Cardoso can do it. Cork is a natural leader who leads by example, obeys role arrangements and contributes during playing time. Although his body is no longer at its peak, his mind and skills are still more than enough.

Talk to me about Barrios

He will become a legend at Atletico Madrid. He is a very outstanding player, very comprehensive, able to dribble and advance, break through the defense, never stage fright, and be able to steal... He needs to improve his goals and assists. He has this talent and will definitely do it.

Have you ever wanted to be a coach?

I have considered it, but I haven't stopped since I retired, and it's incompatible with everything I do now. Currently, I am more interested in the business aspect of football.

Torres, Gabi, Felipe... Atletico Madrid has really emerged with a group of coaches!

When Simeone decided to leave, there was a competition (laugh). I expected Gabi and Felipe to be more fascinated by them watching football. I thought Torres would become the club owner or chairman. He had received foreign offers and could go to the Premier League, but he wanted to go his own way and grow up.

Do you think anyone can replace Simeone?

Of course, they are all Atletics and beloved players, and they will have a chance sooner or later. In Spain, we often criticize those who have been there for a long time, such as Cork or Simeone, who may make mistakes in certain decisions, but they have won the right to choose when to leave. What Simeone has achieved is very difficult, and it will be very complicated for latecomers to match everything he does, and see how long it took for Ferguson to win the championship after leaving Manchester United and Wenger to leave Arsenal... It's not easy and must be done with caution.