Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko has insisted that the thought of leaving the Vicente Calderon has not crossed his mind despite a difficult start to the campaign.

The full-back joined Atletico from Sassuolo in the summer transfer window, but has only made one first-team appearance for the Spanish giants at the start of the 2016-17 season.

Fresh from representing his country during the recent international break, the Croatian has vowed to continue 'working hard' in a bid to force his way into the plans of Atletico boss Diego Simeone.

"Things are as they are," Vrsaljko told AS. "I would like to play more, but I am not thinking about leaving Atletico. It is up to me to work hard and show the coach my worth. I am in good form, and these two [World Cup qualifying] games with Croatia have been important for me."

Vrsaljko, 24, started his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb.