Koke leaves Atlético future open after Arsenal semifinal defeat
He refused to criticize refereeing decisions.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Koke of Atletico de Madrid gestures a shirt pull as he speaks to Referee Daniel Siebert during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Atlético Madrid captain Koke spoke to Movistar after the conclusion of a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Looking emotional, the veteran faced up to the cameras on behalf of the players.
“We’re really gutted, but I’m leaving here proud of the team, we gave it our all,” the midfielder reflected. “We had chances, but the ball just wouldn’t go in; the same thing happened in the first leg. We had them on the ropes at many points, but football is about clinical finishing, and they were more clinical.
They were deserved winners. ” Koke on chances in the first leg “At the Metropolitano and here, to take the lead and then to tie it up. That’s football; you have to be decisive in both boxes.
” Koke is having a pretty good game, but too many times he's looked up and found no options. Needs Llorente, Griezmann, Julian to give him more routes forward. — Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) May 5, 2026 Koke on refereeing “I’m not going to comment.