Former Bafana Bafana defender Quinton Fortune has reflected on his time at Atletico Madrid, sharing memories of training alongside current Atletico manager Diego Simeone during his early years in professional football.

Fortune joined the Spanish club as an 18-year-old and quickly experienced the demands of competing at a high level. Among his teammates was Simeone, who had already established a reputation for his competitive nature and physical approach in midfield.

Speaking to The Times, Fortune described Simeone as a strong personality whose leadership qualities were evident long before he moved into coaching. He said the Argentine's determination and intensity stood out during training sessions.

Fortune recalled that he and fellow young player Veljko Paunovic often found themselves challenged by Simeone's aggressive style on the training ground as they adapted to the professional environment. While the experience could be intimidating for younger players, Fortune suggested it also reflected the high standards and competitive culture within the squad.

Simeone has since gone on to become one of the most successful coaches in European football, leading Atletico Madrid to domestic and international success. According to Fortune, many of the qualities that have defined Simeone's coaching career were already visible during his playing days.

Reflecting on that period, Fortune highlighted the lessons he learned from competing alongside experienced professionals and the role those experiences played in his own football development.

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