Correa, Atleti, and an unexpected mess: from "it wasn't just another day" to "he has a contract until 2026"

Atlético de Madrid ended their season at the Metropolitano with a resounding 4-1 victory over Betis. The Colchoneros secured third place in a largely inconsequential matchday, but one that left some notable details . First, that any project must have Julián Álvarez as its flagship. Second, a goal from Ángel Correa that had the scent of a farewell , as he later confirmed on social media.

"Today was my last home game wearing this shirt that I love so much. It wasn't just another day, it was a wave of memories, emotions, and gratitude. Thanks to the club, my teammates, and these incredible fans who always made me feel like one of them . I'll take every applause, every ovation, and every moment with me in my heart. I'll always be grateful for everything I experienced at Atleti. Thank you for so much!" said the Argentine after being visibly emotional on the pitch.

The departure was an open secret, and the player's own post only confirmed it. But the club has stepped in with an unexpected statement: "Given the doubts raised at the end of the match we played against Real Betis at El Metropolitano, the club wishes to clarify that Ángel Correa currently has a contract with Atlético de Madrid until June 30, 2026. No club has contacted us to begin negotiations for a possible transfer of our striker. Nor has his representative made any offer for the Argentine international."

"Correa joined Atlético de Madrid in December 2014 and has since made 465 official appearances, becoming the sixth-most-capped player in the club's history . He has also scored 88 goals in these matches. A brilliant career that the club will fully recognize at the appropriate time, when the player's contract expires or if a transfer to another club arises," the statement concluded.

A contract that still lasts

The club's statement has shocked everyone. The strongest rumors were about his possible signing for Tigres, a possibility the player himself denied in an interview with Los Edul a week ago: "I don't have any pre-agreement with any team. I still have a contract. They told me they want to renew my contract, and Cholo is happy with my work."

The information from the last few hours, however, didn't follow his statements . According to Gastón Edul, one of the two journalists who interviewed him, Correa had already made his decision and would be a Tigres player starting next season . It was also a personal and family commitment. Atleti's position is firm: it won't let him leave if there's no agreement. Self-declarations are useless; it's time to pay up.

That goal in Valladolid

Correa is the player with the sixth most appearances in Atleti's history (465). Only Collar, Tomás, Oblak, Adelardo, and Koke have more. In those matches, he has scored 88 goals and provided 58 assists , in addition to adding a La Liga title, a European Super Cup, and a Europa League to his list of achievements.

His goal with his toe against Valladolid will always be remembered. A goal that was worth a league title, and which finally made it to the Metropolitano stadium . The era seemed over, with a romantic epilogue, but the club stepped up . We'll have to wait and see what the next chapter of this soap opera will be.