BOGOTA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Juan Guillermo Cuadrado said Monday he has no immediate plans to return to his native Colombia as he seeks to extend his career in Europe.

Cuadrado, a free agent after parting ways with Atalanta in June, revealed a preference for clubs in Italy or Spain.

"The truth is that returning [to Colombia] has always been on my mind," the 37-year-old told reporters. "It has made me happy to see [Radamel] Falcao Garcia, David Ospina and Carlos Bacca return to Colombia and do well. But for me right now, that idea is on hold."

Cuadrado began his professional career at Independiente Medellin in 2008 before moving to Udinese the following year. He has since had spells at Lecce, Fiorentina, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan and Atalanta.

The veteran winger said he had left negotiations in the hands of his manager, Andrei Martinez.

"I want the opportunity to continue in Europe," he said. "I always had the dream of playing in Spain, and when I had the opportunity I was doing very well at Juve. Now it could be a possibility. I trust my agent, who has been talking to several teams in Spain and Italy."

Capped 116 times for Colombia, Cuadrado said he hoped to return to the national team as the Cafeteros seek a berth at next year's FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"My aim is to continue fighting for a place," said Cuadrado, who hasn't represented his country since September 2023.

"This year is really important to me. I want to give my all and hopefully earn a place in the national squad," he added. ■