Antoine Griezmann’s trajectory at Atlético de Madrid has been written over time, in a loyalty that is rarely linear, but always profound. Returning after a Catalan break, the Frenchman quickly (re)established himself as a central figure in Diego Simeone’s project, becoming the top scorer in the club’s history. This season again, despite the weight of the years and an immense load of matches, he retained a major role in the offensive balance of the Colchoneros, alternating between creation, finishing and reading of the game (14 goals and 7 assists in all competitions). The Madrid club accompanied its last months with a form of respectful restraint, aware that a cycle was approaching its end without ever wanting to rush things. As the season progressed, the idea of leaving had already taken hold gradually, without a sudden break, but with growing evidence…
Discussions about his future had finally opened, while performances remained solid and regular, proof of rare longevity at the highest level. The announcement of his departure for Major League Soccer had circulated before becoming reality, drawing a final adventure far from Spain and its familiar stadiums, with an announced destination near Orlando City. In the Madrid locker room, the news was received with a form of quiet seriousness, as if everyone was already measuring the absence to come even before the official end of the story. His last outing in the den of the Colchoneros was therefore eagerly awaited at the end of the season for Diego Simeone’s troops who have nothing left to play for in the last two days, apart from this 3rd place neck and neck with Villarreal.
A special match for Griezmann
And this Sunday, the Wanda Metropolitano took on the appearance of a sanctuary well before kick-off. The surroundings of the stadium were filled with silent fervor, punctuated by songs that rose in waves and eyes turned towards a final expected appearance. Tifos covered the stands, including this banner which read “ Top scorer in red and white history » with a number 7, celebrating the Frenchman’s journey with messages of gratitude. A barber-hairdresser even offered to have a “Grizou” dye in the premises itself. Outside the stadium, a photo exhibition was set up, showing his memorable moments in the red and white jersey. Upon his arrival, the emotion took a visible form, the marked face, the moist eyes, even before crossing the tunnel. Accompanied by his children when entering the pitch, the 2018 World Champion was greeted with a prolonged ovation, while Koke appeared at his side in a discreet tribute, but loaded with symbols, right down to this particular t-shirt worn as a sign of friendship and recognition upon arrival at the stadium.
The milestone of 500 appearances hung in the air like a mark of eternity as the exceptional captain of the evening prepared to experience his last night at home. On the pitch, the match against Girona quickly took on a secondary dimension as the presence of Antoine Griezmann dominated the emotional space of the match. Positioned at the heart of the game, the native of Mâcon oriented the transitions with constant accuracy, stalling to organize and appearing between the lines to accelerate the offensive sequences. The opening score rewarded this influence, an action constructed with fluidity concluded with a decisive pass to Ademola Lookman, 94th offering in Madrid colors, symbol of a career where creation has always counted as much as finishing. In the stands, each ball catch was accompanied by his name chanted without interruption, transforming each action into a farewell fragment. The season, already marked by fourteen goals and several assists, found in this match a perfect synthesis of his role with technical lucidity and a constant presence in decisive moments. After the final whistle, the stadium shifted into another temporality.
The immense wave of tributes
“ I always have to say goodbye to the people I love. And now my brother is leaving. Atlético Madrid’s all-time top scorer. My God, my friend. Thank you for brightening our days. In difficult times, Antoine was always there for us and made us smile. He left a huge legacy for so many young people. His start was difficult, but he showed incredible strength of character and came back here, scored goals and became the best again. Well done, my friend. Enjoy this new experience. 70,000 people are there to applaud you, and they’re going to applaud you even more. Thank you so much for everything, my friend. Take full advantage of it “, Koke said after the match. The fans remained standing, refusing to break the bond created over the years, while the player took a slow, almost suspended, lap of honor. “ I am grateful and proud to have been able to spend so much time with him, to have appreciated his football and his magic. He is spectacular and should have won the Ballon d’Or. I am delighted with his career. He still has many good years left in the United States, where the public will enjoy seeing him play », Said Jan Oblak who presented, with Koke and José María Giménez, a special unique jersey to the French number 7. Former defender and captain, Diego Godin, followed suit. “ It is an honor and a pleasure to be with Antoine at this time. I know how difficult it is to go through this ordeal, to say goodbye to your family. As a friend and family member and on behalf of all Atlético fans, I would like to thank you for everything you have brought to this club: your goals, the joy you have sown, and the way you have accomplished it all, with humility and dedication. We all know who you are. It is a cycle that is ending, but today a legend is born that we will remember and cherish more and more with time. “.
Also present, the former player, Gabi, paid tribute. “ First of all, congratulations on your career. It was a dream to play with a player of your caliber. I wish you much success in your new adventure. You have become a legend thanks to your sporting exploits and your exemplary behavior. Always Forza Atlético and always Antoine Griezmann“. The tears continued to flow while the songs did not weaken, enveloping the lawn with a continuous echo in an exceptional farewell ceremony. The images showed a man overwhelmed by the moment, greeting each stand as if to engrave the faces and voices one last time, while Koke and Diego Simeone were also in tears as a video of the Frenchman’s exploits played on the giant screens. “ Today is Antoine’s day. In recent days we have heard a lot about his talent. Without a doubt, the best many of us have ever seen. It’s undeniable. Today he receives something even more precious: the affection, respect and recognition of the Atlético family. We all know his journey. Thank you for your football, your humility and your commitment. Here is the recognition of your people, the greatest gift a footballer can receive », added Fernando Torres. Highly anticipated, Diego Simeone was the last to speak before leaving the microphone to the star of the evening.
“ Once I arrived in Barcelona, everything I told you came true. Torres’ words perfectly reflect what everyone is feeling. It’s hard to please everyone, but you do. You arrived on the wing, we placed you in the center, and you became an insatiable scorer. You bring a freshness, a joy, something that has always inspired your teammates and allowed you to reach the place you deserve. These people stood still for half an hour, because you deserve it. Thank you, thank you “. Finally, Antoine Griezmann ended this evening with a long speech which will remain engraved in the history of the Colchoneros. “ First of all, thank you everyone for sticking around. It’s great. Next, and this is very important to me, I know many of you stayed, and some didn’t, but I apologize again. I didn’t realize how much I loved this place. I was very young. I made a mistake, I reconsidered my decision, and we did everything we could to come back and enjoy it again. I want to thank all my teammates since 2014. It has been incredible to share every day of the year with you, through your victories, your defeats, your training and your fights. It was extraordinary to fight alongside you. Thanks also to the physiotherapists, the stewards… They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave. And thank you to the technical staff, and especially to the one who changed everything in this club, Diego Pablo Simeone. Thanks to you, there is so much passion in this stadium. Thanks to you, I became world champion; thanks to you, I felt the best in the world. I owe you a lot. It was an honor to fight for you “. In this dense atmosphere, Madrid seemed to close a chapter without closing it completely, leaving in the air the trace of a player who had become more than a simple attacker, a landmark, a memory, an integral part of the Rojiblanca identity for a man with 212 goals and 101 assists in 500 appearances.
