Atletico Mineiro's Chilean Eduardo Vargas celebrates after scoring against Palmeiras during the all-Brazilian Copa Libertadores semifinal second leg football match, at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on September 28, 2021. (DOUGLAS MAGNO / POOL / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO - Chilean forward Eduardo Vargas has expressed a desire to extend his contract with Atletico Mineiro despite failing to secure a regular starting berth with the Brazilian club.

Vargas has scored 14 goals in 59 appearances, often as a substitute, since joining Atletico from Mexico's Tigres in November 2020.

Eduardo Vargas wants to remain with reigning Brazilian Serie A and Copa do Brasil champions beyond his existing deal, which expires in December

But the 32-year-old wants to remain with reigning Brazilian Serie A and Copa do Brasil champions beyond his existing deal, which expires in December.

"I would like to renew my contract," Vargas said on Thursday. "I want to stay because I feel happy here. We'll see what happens and take things day by day."

Atletico's attacking depth is the envy of most South American clubs, with Vargas vying for places with former Porto forward Hulk, Marcos Keno and Argentine Matias Zaracho.

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Competition has been eased slightly by the departure of Spain international striker Diego Costa in January. But Vargas knows he is still not guaranteed a regular berth in manager Antonio Mohamed's preferred starting lineup.

"I always want to be a starter even when we are training," the former Napoli player added.