Antonie Griezmann has apologized for his decision to leave Atlético Madrid for Barcelona in 2019 as he bid an emotional farewell to the club’s supporters on Sunday after what was his final home appearance.
The forward Antoine Griezmann is set to join MLS side Orlando City at the end of the season, closing out a decade-long association with the Rojiblancos that was split by his controversial spell at FC Barcelona.
Following Atlético Madrid’s 1-0 La Liga win over Girona at the Metropolitano, Griezmann addressed the fans on the pitch in an emotional speech, where he also created the decisive moment by assisting the only goal scored by Ademola Lookman.
“I know many of you have (forgiven me), but some still haven’t, so I apologise again,” Griezmann (thescore.com) at a packed Metropolitano stadium.
“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.”
Griezmann initially joined Atlético from Real Sociedad in 2014 and developed from a wide attacker into one of the world’s most prolific strikers under Diego Simeone.
He finishes his Atlético career as the club’s all-time top scorer with 212 goals in 500 appearances, having arrived visibly emotional for his farewell match.
“I want to thank all my teammates from 2014 until today,” continued Griezmann.
“It’s incredible to share everything with them. Every battle, every victory, and every defeat.”
He also expressed gratitude to his family, club staff, and head coach Diego Simeone, crediting the Argentine with having “changed everything” at Atlético.
Simeone led Atlético to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, though Griezmann missed both triumphs—joining after the first and being at Barcelona during the second.
During his time at the club, Griezmann’s only major trophy with Atlético was the 2018 Europa League, a title he lifted before going on to win the World Cup with France the same year.
Club legends including Fernando Torres and Diego Godín were present for the emotional send-off, alongside family members and club president Enrique Cerezo, as Atlético Madrid honoured one of their greatest-ever forwards.
