Diego Simeone has closed the door on becoming Everton’s next manager.
The Argentine coach was a surprise candidate for the Blues’ hierarchy in their continuing hunt for Ronald Koeman’s replacement earlier this month.
However Atletico Madrid responded to links between Simeone and Goodison Park by issuing a firm hands-off warning through president Enrique Cerezo.
Simeone, who only signed a new three-year contract at the Wanda Metropolitano in September, has now responded to the claims himself.
He said: “I have read about it.
“I have said it many times, my future is linked to this club.
“They will have to put up with me for at least two more years.”
Everton have been frustrated in their attempts to source a successor to Koeman, with Sam Allardyce recently ruling himself out of the running.
Burnley’s Sean Dyche has also fallen out of contention while Watford are continuing to resist approaches from Goodison chiefs for Marco Silva.