Josema Giménez returns to the Metropolitano with Deportivo: 384 games later, the reunion with Atlético

José María Giménez will experience one of the most emotional nights of his career this Saturday. The Uruguayan centre-back, who wore the Atlético de Madrid shirt for more than 13 years, returns to the Metropolitano for the first time as an opponent. He will do so with Deportivo de La Coruña on matchday 10 of LaLiga, in a clash that marks the reunion with the fifth foreign player with the most matches in the club's history.

The fifth foreign player with the most appearances in Atlético's history

Giménez played 384 official matches for Atlético de Madrid, a figure that places him as the fifth foreign player with the most appearances in the club's history. He also ranks 15th among all footballers who have worn the red-and-white shirt the most times. He arrived in Spain at just 18 years old and left as one of the great captains of the Diego Simeone era.

• Josema Giménez faces Atlético de Madrid for the first time as an opponent.
• The Uruguayan defender has 384 official matches in the rojiblanco shirt.
• He is the fifth foreign player with the most appearances and 15th overall in the club's history.
• He now leads and mentors Deportivo de La Coruña's young defensive line.
• Simeone publicly thanked him for his role in the dressing room over 13 seasons.

What this Atlético - Dépor match means for Josema Giménez

The player himself admitted before the game that his time at Atlético is over, even though he still has two years left on his contract with the Madrid club. "I adore Atleti, I love them. It is a reality that since my departure, returning is complicated. I am grateful," said the Uruguayan, who did not hide that the match will be very special for him.

Returning to the stadium that was his home for more than a decade, now wearing a different shirt, makes the fixture much more than a league match. The defender shared a dressing room with most of the players he will face and knows the Argentine coach's tactical approach perfectly, which adds an extra layer of interest to the clash.

Giménez's warning about Julián Álvarez and Atlético's attack

Giménez knows he will have to deal with world-class players. In the pre-match press conference, he did not hesitate to praise Julián Álvarez, one of Atlético's key attacking references. "Julián is very annoying. He moves everywhere, drops behind the midfielders, drifts to the wings, attacks the space. He is very complete," he said.

He will not be the only familiar face Giménez has to deal with. The Uruguayan will meet all his former teammates in a duel where his defensive leadership will be crucial to stopping Simeone's side.

Giménez's new role at Deportivo de La Coruña

Away from Atlético, Giménez has found a new adventure in Spanish football in A Coruña. At Dépor he has become one of the leaders of the dressing room and acts as a mentor to the youngest centre-backs in the squad, such as Noubi, Bright and Barcia, who are making their debuts in the top flight.

The Uruguayan, aware of his role, tries to pass on the work ethic that took him to the top. "They are very good players. I try to make them see that goals are achieved with work and effort," he explained. His experience is essential for a team fighting to establish itself in LaLiga.

Simeone and his message of gratitude to the Uruguayan centre-back

In principle, I cannot separate him from the rival he will be, from the person and the man who helped me, accompanied me, supported me in the dressing room, with his enormous commitment. I am absolutely grateful to Josema. He was and is one of the most important centre-backs at Atlético since I arrived. I always wish him the best. We love him very much.

Diego Simeone could not hide the importance Giménez had in his project. The Argentine coach dedicated some heartfelt words to him before the match, acknowledging his huge commitment and his weight inside the dressing room for more than a decade. A mutual affection that will make the reunion an emotionally charged moment for the red-and-white fans.

The Metropolitano will host a special night, with a return that puts the spotlight on one of the most important defenders to have played for Atlético in recent years. For Giménez, the match is a symbolic closing of a cycle and a chance to prove, now with Dépor, that his authority remains intact.