Diego Simeone takes aim at Renan Lodi ahead of Nottingham Forest move

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Diego Simeone takes aim at Renan Lodi ahead of Nottingham Forest move

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has taken a parting shot at Renan Lodi as he closes in on a move to Nottingham Forest.

90min revealed earlier on Sunday that the Premier League new boys have agreed a deal with Atleti to bring Lodi to the City Ground on loan with an option to buy.

However, Simeone wasn't holding back in his assessment of the transfer as he hinted that the defender was running away from the idea of competition in his position.

"Renan has the need to play, to have a lot of minutes in this situation that has come up because of the World Cup," said the Atleti boss. "And he has gone to look for that where he believes he can get them.

"I am not committed to anyone, there is an enormous competition in that area. Some like to compete and others prefer to go to other teams in order to have those minutes that gets them closer to being able to go to the World Cup.”

The Brazilian has lost his place in the first-team under Simeone this season following the return of Saul Niguez from his spell on loan with Chelsea.

And the Atleti boss insists that Lodi's sale makes sense from a financial perspective ahead of the close of the transfer window next week.

"It’s not just me that is uncomfortable, there are a lot of teams that are coexisting with the economic needs in every club," added Simeone. "I'm grateful for his work, his behaviour, always being willing to help wherever he was needed, as a starter or coming on in the second half. He has always done so in committed manner and we have always been grateful."