Madrid, May 15 (IANS): Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has quashed speculation linking him with Premier League football club Chelsea, insisting he will be at Vicente Calderon next season.

"Yes, I will play here," the 23-year-old was quoted as saying by AS.com on Friday.

Speaking on his former Atletico teammate Filipe Luis who was bought by Chelsea, Koke said: "Filipe Luis is more than a teammate, he is a friend, so he would be welcome here."

The statement comes following media reports suggesting the Brazil international could be on his way back to Madrid after failing to earn a spot in the regular Chelsea set up.

Even though they were knocked out of the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, Koke says he would still consider this season successful if they finish third in La Liga.

"I'd give our season a nine out of ten if we finish third," he said.

"We got to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. And if we finish third we will have achieved our goals. And we will finish third," he added.