In September 2002 he returned to Spain and joined Atlético Madrid, appearing very rarely in the 2003–04 campaign due to a serious ankle condition; while still with Milan, he was suspended after a scuffle with Juventus's Edgar Davids.
In September 2002, he returned to Spain and joined Atlético Madrid; due to a severe ankle injury in the 2003–04 season, he appeared infrequently. While still with Milan, he was penalized after an altercation with Juventus's Edgar Davids.