Champions League: Atletico captain will not play against United for tragic reason

Captain of Atletico Madrid Koke will not take the field in the match of the second round of the general stage of the Champions League against English Manchester United. The cause was the death of his mother. This is reported by the portal Foot Mercato.

On Tuesday, Atletico officially announced the passing of the midfielder's mother. A minute of silence will be declared before the game in Madrid. Later it became known that Koke was not included in the team's application for the upcoming meeting.

Coke is 34. He has been defending Atletico’s colours since 2011 and holds the club’s record of 749 matches. As part of the Madrid team, the midfielder twice won the Spanish Championship (2014, 2021), the Europa League (2012, 2018) and the UEFA Super Cup (2012, 2018).

In addition, he won the Spanish Cup (2013) and the Super Cup of the country (2014). In the 2013/14 and 2015/16 seasons, Atletico reached the Champions League final twice, but both times lost to Real Madrid.

The meeting between Atletico and Manchester United will begin at 22:00 GMT.

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