Antoine Griezmann officially said goodbye to Atletico Madrid supporters on Sunday after making his final appearance at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The French forward, Atletico’s all-time leading goalscorer, is set to complete a summer move to MLS side Orlando City, ending an unforgettable 10-year journey across two spells with the Spanish giants.
Griezmann signed off in style by providing the assist for Ademola Lookman’s winning goal in Atletico’s narrow 1-0 victory over Girona before delivering an emotional farewell speech to the home supporters.
During his address to fans, the 35-year-old once again apologized for his controversial move to Barcelona back in 2019 — a decision that strained his relationship with sections of the Atletico fanbase before his eventual return.
“First, thank you all for staying,” he said. “This is amazing. Second, and something very important to me, I know that many did and some still did not, but I ask your forgiveness again.
“I didn’t realize the affection I had here. I was very young. It was a mistake (to go to Barcelona), I reconsidered and we did everything to come back and enjoy it again.”
The emotional moment drew huge applause from supporters inside the Metropolitano as Griezmann reflected on the highs and lows of his Atletico journey.
Griezmann also paid tribute to Atletico manager Diego Simeone, club captain Koke Resurreccion and his family for the support they offered throughout his career in Madrid.
“To the coaching staff and to the one who changed everything at this club: Don Diego Pablo Simeone. Thanks to you there is a lot of enthusiasm and I was world champion and I felt the best in the world.
“I owe you a lot and it has been an honour to fight for you. I don’t know if I’m a legend, but you, Koke, are a legend of this club. My wife, my wife too. Thank you for supporting me in my bad days and holding my anger in defeats. I love you.”
The France international also thanked his parents and Atletico supporters for helping shape his football journey.
“I also thank my parents, who took me all over France to play. Thanks to them I am here enjoying football. I haven’t been able to bring a league or a Champions League, but this affection is better for me. I’ll take it for the whole trip.
“Now, I’m done. Fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, thank you very much for bringing the children here, to teach them that Atleti is the best in the world. Thank you.”
Griezmann leaves Atletico Madrid as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, having won multiple trophies and become a symbol of Simeone’s modern era.
While silverware like La Liga and the Champions League occasionally slipped away, the connection between Griezmann and the Atletico faithful remained undeniable until the very end.
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