Diego Simeone has denied a falling out with striker and his former captain Fernando Torres amid reports of the player’s departure.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker had been linked with an exit from Los Rojiblancos, with Simeone responding ‘no’ when asked if the player he had a future at the club.
Fresh reports suggest Torres could move to the Chinese Super League, to where Yannick Carrasco has also been linked.
“It was obvious that people wanted to make a controversy from my words,” Simeone told reporters after Thursday’s Europa League victory over FC Copenhagen.
“Me and Fernando both want the best outcome for the club and this situation is not good for the club, so it is detrimental to both of us.
“In terms of outgoings, I have some input into them but I do not make the final decisions but anyone who wants to go to play football in China will be permitted to do so.
“Gaitan? I have confidence in him, he is still at the club and has not always played in his best position for us.
“It was important for him to play 30 minutes (on Thursday night) as he has pace, vision and intelligence and he can continue to show that over the coming months.”
