Marseille loanee Javi Manquillo has refused to rule out returning to Atletico Madrid after thanking his parent club for “giving me everything”.
The right-back bounced back from his disappointing spell at Liverpool last season with a far-better showing in French football this term, but L’OM’s crippling financial situations means they are not expected to take up their option of signing the player permanently.
“Things are going pretty well for me at the moment,” he told Marca.
“Since Michel’s arrival, I’ve done very well and I appreciate all the faith he’s put in me.
“It’s something I have to thank the Coach for. I’ve learned a lot this year and I’m giving him the little step he needs, which I previously lacked. He also speaks Spanish, which helps me a lot.
“[On playing for his third club in three years], I don’t think [it unsettled me].
“I was looking for minutes and, luckily, this is where I’m getting them because Michel is giving them to me, and I’m very happy about that.
“Atletico was where I grew up, so they’re my club, but nobody knows what will happen next year.
“Of course I miss [Spain]: my family, Madrid, friends … it also hurts because I grew up there with Saul [Niguez] and Oliver Torres.
“You miss many things, but it was a good decision to go to Marseille. I don’t regret it.
“It’s a shame that the team aren’t doing that well, but the entire dressing room is with the Coach and we’ll move forward.
“I try to watch [Atleti] as much as I can and yes, I suffer with them. I want the best for them and if they win a trophy then all the better.
“[On leaving Real Madrid for Atleti as a youth player], it was a decision I made at the time and I have no regrets.
“Atletico are the club who have given me everything and now when I remember it, I’m glad I made the move.
“[Diego Simeone] is a great Coach. You have to learn everything as a young player, and he’s some who demonstrates it better [than others].
“Look where the team are under him. All the things you can learn from him will make you a better player.”
