Diego Simeone heaped praise on Kieran Trippier ahead of his transfer to Newcastle United.
The 31-year-old is on the verge of leaving Atletico Madrid in a £15million deal which will see him become the first signing of the Saudi Arabian-backed era at St James' Park.
Trippier spent two-and-a-half seasons with Atletico after leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, helping Los Rojiblancos lift the La Liga title last May.
But the England defender, from Bury, is keen to come home and arrived at Newcastle airport on Wednesday to complete his move.
Simeone has spoken about Trippier's exit, showing appreciating for the right-back's commitment to the Spanish champions.
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"I am absolutely grateful to all the time that Kieran has been here with us," the Atletico manager stated as he previewed his side's trip to face minnows Rayo Majadahonda in the Copa del Rey.
"The club has given him 48 hours to resolve the situation.
"He has behaved very well, he has worked very well, he has been a very important footballer for us.
"And now for us, it is to always look ahead to what is coming and look for alternatives, as always, so that things work."
In a press conference last week, Simeone admitted: "We have always had to live with these situations; important and very good players within the team who have possibilities of leaving.
"Then it will depend on what the footballer himself wants.
"Consequently, we will try to follow what is happening and look for solutions.
"He is an important player for our team and we coaches can't do too much in terms of players' decisions, we can only tell Trippier how important he is for the team."
And it appears the respect between player and coach is mutual.
Back in March 2020 when Atletico beat Liverpool 3-2 in the Champions League at Anfield, Trippier hailed Simeone as an "unbelievable manager" after less than full campaign working under the Argentine.
"You have seen over many years how strong Atletico are," the ex- Burnley defender explained.
"I’ve been here seven months and I’ve never seen anything like it, to be honest. Starting from Diego Simeone – everyone feeds off him – he’s an unbelievable manager.
"I can’t really explain how good it is here, it is just an unbelievable feeling and I’m proud to be part of this team."
If Trippier's paperwork is completed in time, he could make his debut on Saturday against Cambridge United in the FA Cup Third Round at St James' Park.
