Antoine Griezmann Atletico Madrid (foto: Getty Images)
Antoine Griezmann gave an emotional goodbye speech at Atletico Madrid and apologized once again for his controversial move to Barcelona.
Antoine Griezmann delivered one of the most emotional farewell speeches in recent football history as he officially said goodbye to Atletico Madrid.
The French forward broke down in tears in front of a packed Metropolitano Stadium, where supporters stayed in their seats long after the match simply to honour one of the club’s modern legends.
For many Atletico fans, Griezmann leaves as one of the greatest players ever to wear the famous red and white shirt.
When he finally stepped forward to speak, emotion immediately overwhelmed him.
“I prepared a speech, but it all went to hell,” Griezmann admitted through tears.
The atmosphere inside the stadium became even more emotional when Diego Simeone joined Griezmann, Jan Oblak, and Koke on the pitch for a symbolic photo featuring four of the most important figures in Atletico’s modern history.
Simeone then delivered a message that deeply moved supporters.
“Nobody left because you deserved it,” the Atletico coach told Griezmann.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Griezmann addressed the painful subject that followed him for years, his controversial move to Barcelona.
The Frenchman openly apologized once again to Atletico supporters.
“Some have forgiven me, some haven’t. I apologize to you once again.”
“I didn’t understand how much love I had here. I was young, and I made a mistake.”
After regaining composure, Griezmann thanked teammates, club staff, physiotherapists, and everyone who had supported him since his arrival in Madrid in 2014.
He also paid special tribute to Simeone, the coach who transformed his career.
“Thank you to the man who changed this club.”
“Because of you, I became world champion, and I felt like the best footballer in the world.”
“I owe you a lot. It was an honor to fight for you.”
The farewell became even more emotional when Griezmann’s family entered the pitch during the ceremony.
The World Cup winner admitted that the connection with Atletico supporters means even more to him than trophies.
“I may not have brought you the Champions League or the league title, but this means more to me.”
“I will take this love with me for the rest of my life.”
However, Griezmann insisted his relationship with Atletico Madrid is far from over.
“When I’m done in Orlando, I’ll go back. To Madrid, to the club, and to win trophies from the other side.”
“I hope someone better than me comes along and brings Atletico the Champions League.”