Griezmann Reflects on Atletico Legacy Ahead of Final Chapter
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has opened up on his impending summer departure for Orlando City, confirming his focus remains on a final push for Champions League glory with the club he calls home. The 35-year-old's move to Major League Soccer was confirmed last month, bringing an end to a storied second spell in the Spanish capital. Griezmann spoke to Diario AS on Monday, on the eve of Atletico's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona.
Manager Diego Simeone set the emotional tone earlier in the day, paying a surprise public tribute to the French international. Griezmann acknowledged the gesture but stressed his desire for his performances to serve as his true farewell. "The best farewell I hope for is my performance on the pitch and the effort I’m going to put into every match," he said. "I want to enjoy it and be remembered that way."
The veteran attacker explained that the decision to leave simply felt like the right moment. He revealed that initial thoughts about an exit emerged during a difficult period towards the end of the 2024-25 season, but a resurgence in form this campaign allowed him to depart on a high. "I think it’s just the time. That’s how I feel," Griezmann stated, deliberately shifting focus away from his MLS future and towards the immediate challenge of facing Barcelona.
Griezmann credited Simeone with being pivotal to his career and personal growth, placing the manager in the same category as his own family. "I think that to open my heart I need to be with my family, and Simeone and his family," he said. "I owe him so much. I’ve reached a level I never imagined thanks to Real Sociedad and Simeone and his work." He admitted to struggling mentally during last season's dip but said he has emerged stronger, still learning and adapting at 35.
The immediate task is a two-legged European tie against Barcelona, followed by a Copa del Rey final, a sequence that will define the finale of Griezmann's Atletico career. He expressed palpable excitement for the challenge, comparing his anticipation to that of his young son on a matchday. Atletico will be hoping his experience and renewed focus can propel them past a formidable opponent and into the semi-finals.
Griezmann's legacy at the Wanda Metropolitano is already secure, having become the club's all-time top scorer during his two stints, separated by a brief and ill-fated move to Barcelona. His return in 2021 was a catalyst for Atletico's La Liga title win that same season, cementing his status as a modern legend. His impending move to Orlando City marks the end of a top-level European career that has also seen him win the World Cup with France in 2018.
For Atletico Madrid, Griezmann's departure signals the end of an era and creates a significant void in both creativity and leadership. The club's planning for a future without their iconic number 7 is now underway in earnest. For now, however, the focus for both player and club is squarely on achieving one last major triumph together.
