Visibly emotional as he addressed supporters on the pitch, Griezmann revisited one of the most controversial chapters of his career—his 2019 move to Barcelona.
“I know many of you have [forgiven me], but some still haven’t, so I apologise again,” he told a packed stadium, acknowledging lingering feelings among fans.
“I didn’t realise how much love I had here, I was very young, and well, I made a mistake. I reconsidered and we did everything to come back here and enjoy it again.”
The apology carried extra weight given his complicated history with the club. After joining Atlético Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2014, Griezmann quickly evolved from a wide forward into a central attacking force under Diego Simeone, becoming one of Europe’s most feared strikers.
A legacy built in red and white
Across two spells with the club, Griezmann cemented his status as a modern Atlético legend, finishing as the club’s all-time top scorer with 212 goals in 500 appearances.
He also paid tribute to teammates, coaches, and staff who shaped his journey.
“I want to thank all my teammates from 2014 until today. It’s incredible to share everything with them—every battle, every victory, and every defeat.”
The French international also singled out Simeone for praise, saying the Argentine manager had fundamentally transformed his career.
Under Simeone, Atlético Madrid won La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, although Griezmann was not present for the latter, having been at Barcelona during that period. His only major trophy with Atlético remains the 2018 UEFA Europa League, won shortly before he went on to lift the FIFA World Cup with France the same summer.
Club legends honour “one of the best ever seen”
The emotional night was further elevated by the presence of Atlético icons including Fernando Torres and Diego Godín, who joined club president Enrique Cerezo and Griezmann’s family in the post-match celebrations.
“Today is Antoine’s day—he’s surely the best any of us have seen here with our own eyes,” said Torres.
Simeone echoed that sentiment, reflecting on Griezmann’s transformation under his guidance.
“You arrived playing on the wing and we put you in the middle, and you became insatiable for goals,” the coach said.
“You have something that’s contagious for your teammates, and it took you to the place you deserve.”
Final goodbye before MLS move
Griezmann’s exit marks the end of a defining era for Atlético Madrid, closing a chapter that combined brilliance, controversy, redemption, and loyalty. His next destination in the United States with Orlando City SC signals a new phase in a decorated career that has already left a lasting imprint on Spanish football.