This Sunday, May 17, Antoine Griezmann experienced an emotional farewell at the Metropolitan Stadium, where thousands of fans remained in their seats to pay tribute to one of the most important players in the recent history of Atlético de Madrid. The French forward thus closed a stage marked by titles, goals and a special relationship with the red and white fans.
The top scorer in the history of Atlético de Madrid, Antoine Griezmann, received an emotional tribute at the Metropolitano before leaving for Orlando City in the MLS, with words from Simeone, Koke and Diego Godín.
“Thank you all for staying in the stadium. You are amazing,” said the French striker as the stadium chanted his name on a night full of tears, applause and messages of recognition.
One of the most shocking moments of the farewell came when Griezmann recalled his controversial departure to Barcelona in 2019 and apologized again to the fans. “I apologize again. I didn’t realize the love I had here and it was a mistake”stated the attacker before a completely dedicated Metropolitan.
“I take the love of this hobby with me”
Diego Pablo Simeone highlighted the impact that Griezmann had inside and outside Atlético de Madrid and recalled how the Frenchman became one of the club’s leaders during the red and white era. “It is very difficult for everyone to love you, but everyone loves you.”“said the Argentine coach during the tribute at the Metropolitano.
Captain Koke also recalled the moment when Griezmann decided to leave for Barcelona in 2019 and how he managed to regain the affection of the fans after returning to Atlético de Madrid. “It’s true that he left and it hurt us, but he came back and showed that he is the best,” stated the Spanish midfielder before the fans.
Diego Godín was in charge of closing a night full of emotions at the Metropolitano. The former Uruguayan defender, one of Griezmann’s historic teammates at Atlético, summed up the French forward’s legacy with a phrase that provoked applause among the fans. “Today the legend begins”, express.