Atletico Madrid's legendary fitness coach Oscar 'Prof' Ortega has announced he's leaving.

After 15 seasons with Atletico, Uruguayan Ortega is now leaving with concerns over the increased number of muscular injuries for players this past year.

"It is a very nice stage but it is a good time to finish it," said Ortega in a video broadcast by the club's official account. "It is a decision that I have been meditating for a long time, agreed with the family. I had been talking to Diego (Simeone), preparing for this moment.

"I am very grateful to Atlético de Madrid because they gave me the opportunity to experiment and work in the national team in my country, that for me it was a different professional moment, that does not have a definition.

"I owe that to Atlético, one more thing I owe them, to have allowed me to be in a World Cup, I will really be thankful for a lifetime."