Diego Forlan’s deflected effort four minutes from the end of extra-time handed the Spaniards a 2-1 victory in Hamburg.
The Uruguayan had given Atletico a deserved first-half lead, but Fulham hit back through Simon Davies.
Hodgson’s side defended doggedly for much of the match but were undone by Forlan’s late heroics.
Almost immediately thoughts turned to Hodgson’s future because, after an outstanding season, the former Switzerland coach is apparently attracting interest from other clubs.
Losing Hodgson would be a major blow for Fulham, who have prospered so much under his guidance over the past three seasons.
no plans
However, while he did not entirely close the door on a summer exit, it seems he has no plans to move on.
“I have never given my future a moment’s thought,” Hodgson said. “I have been committed all the time I have been with the club.
“I still have a contract and, as far as I know, this is where I shall be.”
Hodgson can take plenty of credit for Fulham’s Europa League run, even though it was ended by Forlan’s second goal of the night when he turned home Sergio Aguero’s cross.
“I couldn’t in my wildest dreams imagine we would get here when we started,” Hodgson admitted. “But unfortunately that doesn’t help.
“Having been here and acquitted ourselves so well, you feel we could have taken a further step.
“It doesn’t matter how much comfort I try to find, it is difficult to find joy or enthusiasm because a great performance has gone unrewarded.”
“I still have a contract and, as far as I know, this is where I shall be” – Roy Hodgson
Credits: PremierLeague.com
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