Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid’s all-time record goalscorer, is set to depart the club this summer as his contract expires, embarking on a new chapter with Major League Soccer side Orlando City. The 35-year-old forward delivered an emotional farewell message to supporters, offering a heartfelt apology for his controversial move to Barcelona in 2019.
Griezmann leaves the Spanish capital having cemented his place in the club’s history books. Across two stints, he amassed an impressive 212 goals, making him Atletico Madrid’s leading scorer. He also made exactly 500 appearances for the club, with his final outing a 1-0 victory over Girona where he notched his 100th assist, setting up Ademola Lookman for the decisive goal.
A controversial departure and a heartfelt return
Griezmann initially joined Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2014, developing into one of Europe’s most prolific attackers under the guidance of manager Diego Simeone. His €120 million transfer to Barcelona in 2019, however, left a bitter taste for many Rojiblancos fans.
After a challenging two seasons at Barcelona, Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid on a two-season loan, which was made permanent after just one year. Addressing the fans directly, he expressed regret over his past decision, as reported by SportBible.
Read also: Dembele injury scare casts shadow over PSG's Champions League final preparations
“Thank you all for staying behind. This is amazing. This is important. I know many of you have already, and some still haven’t, but I apologise again. I didn’t realise how much love I had here. I was very young, and I made a mistake. I came back to my senses, and we did everything we could to enjoy life here again.”
Simeone’s influence and trophy ambitions
During his time at Atletico, Griezmann lifted one major trophy, the Europa League in 2018. Notably, he was at Barcelona when Atletico Madrid secured the La Liga title in 2021. Despite not adding a Champions League or a La Liga title to his Atletico trophy cabinet, Griezmann acknowledged the profound impact of Diego Simeone on his career.
“Thanks to you [Simeone] there’s so much excitement in this stadium. Thanks to you I became a world champion and I felt like the best in the world. I owe you so much, and it’s been an honour to fight for you. I haven’t been able to bring home a LaLiga title or a Champions League trophy, but this love is worth more. I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life.”
A 2018 World Cup winner with France, Griezmann has since retired from international duty, allowing him to fully focus on his new venture in MLS with Orlando City. His departure marks the end of an era for Atletico Madrid, leaving behind a legacy of goals, assists, and a journey of reconciliation with the club’s passionate fanbase.
Read also: Xabi Alonso appointed Chelsea manager, title change implies greater control
Sources: www.sportbible.com
Read also: Bruno Fernandes names the £100m star Man Utd should have signed instead of Ronaldo
