Football
ESPN staff 8y

Jackson Martinez aims to keep fighting for Atletico Madrid

Colombia forward Jackson Martinez returned to Madrid on Tuesday with a sprained ankle but vowed to "fight to the end" for Atletico Madrid and said he wants to avoid a transfer despite having scored just three goals in 15 matches this season.

Martinez, 29, sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left ankle during Colombia's 1-1 draw against Chile this past Thursday in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. He was ruled out of Colombia's match versus Argentina and is unlikely to play in Atleti's La Liga match against Betis this Sunday.

The striker has endured the slow start in Madrid having been signed for €35 million after scoring 67 goals in 90 games for Porto. His form has led to reports of a transfer in January but Martinez said having the fans behind him has helped his confidence.

"For me it is a good thing [fan support]," he told Radio Marca upon his return to Spain. "Entering the stadium and hearing the fans cheering you on, that inspired you to give your best. I am going to fight to the end. In my mind, I am not hearing the talk about me leaving next season. That is not going to happen.

"My future is a question you need to ask the coach. I am just focusing right now on fighting for Atletico, for the club and making a difference thanks to all the support I have. I will stay as long as the club want me. I know that this is tied to results, of course.

"I try to do my job in each match. It all depends on how the team is playing, how I adapt to their style, so even if I am not showing the productivity, the team is playing well.

"For me personally, I will keep working and doing my best to get the most shots on goal."

Atletico have 10 other players seeing action during the international break and Martinez did not attend Tuesday's training session, while Uruguay's Jose Maria Gimenez sat out as well, along with Juanfran Torres. The club said Gimenez is doubtful against Betis while Torres has been ruled out.

"My ankle is a little better," Martinez added. "We will have to see how it goes. At this moment I am thinking about getting better as fast as possible.

"Thank God it wasn't anything serious and now I can receive treatment and recover as fast as possible. Logically, an injury is a worry but I am focused on getting better as soon as possible."

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