"Atletico? They're investing more and more, so there are fewer excuses"

Saul has opened the floodgates, and several targets have felt his criticism. The player, recently arrived at Filipe Luis's Flamengo, spoke to 'El Partidazo' and joined the chorus demanding much more from Atletico Madrid and Cholo Simeone, given the level of squad they now possess.

"They're investing more and more, so there are fewer and fewer excuses. Last year, €200 million. And this year, another €200 million. You can no longer use the excuse that 'Saul is earning too much'. Now, this is the reality. If you spend the same as everyone else, you have to compete for everything," the former 'Rojiblanco' player firmly stated.

However, he was keen to emphasise that he had no complaints about his treatment by Simeone. "Our relationship has had ups and downs, but we've always been direct. That's what I've liked most. I appreciate that he hasn't been false with me, unlike other people at the club."

"One year, I thought he had lost his energy, but Cholo will be at Atletico Madrid for as long as he wants. His message is still resonating, he's got plenty left in the tank," concluded the 30-year-old midfielder, who was also vehement when analysing Joao Felix's career: "If you don't work hard, you're worthless."