Antoine Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid career is drawing to a close, with the forward preparing to face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg. The spotlight has shifted to Griezmann as he approaches his final matches for the Spanish club.
Simeone’s Tribute to Departing Forward
Diego Simeone opened a news conference with an emotional tribute to Griezmann before Atletico Madrid’s quarter-final against Barcelona. The Atletico coach thanked Griezmann for his hard work and humility.
Simeone told Griezmann that he is an admirable person and a role model for young people. He thanked him for everything he has given and will continue to give.
Griezmann’s Desire to Finish the Season
Griezmann asked to remain in Madrid until the end of the season, despite interest from Orlando City. This allows him to say a proper farewell to the club where he has made 494 appearances and scored 212 goals.
The 2018 French World Cup-winner has spent his entire club career in Spain. He started at Real Sociedad in 2009 before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2014. A switch to Barcelona followed in 2019, before he returned to Atletico on loan in 2021 and made the move permanent a year later.
Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity
Griezmann revealed he nearly joined Arsenal while at Real Sociedad in 2013 and would have played under Arsene Wenger.
Griezmann wrote that he waited for Arsenal to make a move, but they told him they would not a few hours before the window closed. He did not like being told something and for it not to happen. When Arsenal were interested again, Griezmann told his agent to forget it.
Legacy at Atletico Madrid
Griezmann joined Atletico in 2014 for a fee believed to be worth 30m euros. The 35-year-old is now the club’s all-time leading scorer.
His significance at Atletico Madrid goes far beyond his numbers. He is regarded as their greatest player and the most complete expression of what the club stands for. Simeone spoke about him with genuine emotion, even saying he loves him.
Antoine Griezmann is set to play his final matches for Atletico Madrid before joining Orlando City at the end of the season.