#INSERT type:image caption:Mario Suarez has said he could be on the move once the season ends. END#
Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez has revealed he almost joined Inter Milan in January, suggesting he could be on the move in the summer.
Mario, 28, has won the Liga title, Copa del Rey and Europa League in recent seasons at Atletico, but has found himself in the role of backup to first choices Gabi and Tiago.
The Spain international has been linked with moves away from the Estadio Vicente Calderon in the past, most recently when Inter coach Roberto Mancini was reported to be keen to sign him during the winter transfer window.
Speaking from the Spain camp ahead of Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Ukraine, the former ex-Atletico youth-team player told radio show Al Primer Toque that a move had been considered by all parties.
"I spoke with Mancini in January, and at that time he [Atletico coach Diego Simeone] was willing to let me leave," Mario said.
"We brought the offer to the club. In the end he changed his mind and here I am. I am fully focused on finishing the two months which are left to play, and then we will see what happens in the summer."
Asked whether his release clause, which had been €24 million, had now been reduced to half that, he said: "You are well informed.
"The truth is that I have no type of problem with the club. We have met various times with all that has been going on, and when I did not leave in January they promised me various things -- and they have stuck to that.
"There have been past offers which I did not even listen to, but things change in your life. When the season ends, we will talk with the club again and decide what to do."
Mario praised Simone despite struggling to win a regular place in his team, calling him "the best coach I have had."
"I have learned great things from him," he said. "But in the end only 11 can play and the coach decides. He has trusted more in other players, but all I can do is give my best when I play."