Atlético Manager Simeone Bids Emotional Farewell to Griezmann

Simeone praises Griezmann's character and influence ahead of Champions League clash with Barcelona

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:59am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a surprising move, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone dedicated a significant portion of his pre-match press conference to an emotional tribute for departing forward Antoine Griezmann, who is set to join MLS club Orlando City. Simeone lauded Griezmann's work ethic, humility, and positive influence, calling him 'an admirable person' that 'society needs.' This public display of affection from the typically stoic manager signals the importance of player-manager relationships, even as Griezmann prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career.

Why it matters

Simeone's heartfelt words for Griezmann go beyond the typical professional acknowledgment, highlighting the delicate balance managers must strike between fostering camaraderie and demanding peak performance from their players. Griezmann's impending departure to MLS also reflects a broader trend of established European players seeking new challenges outside of the continent's top leagues, which could reshape the global football landscape.

The details

Ahead of the Champions League quarter-final clash between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, much of the pre-match narrative has centered on the impending departure of Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City in MLS. In a surprising move, Atlético manager Diego Simeone dedicated a significant portion of his press conference to an emotional tribute for the forward, praising his work ethic, humility, and positive influence on the team and society.

  • Griezmann is set to join Orlando City in MLS following the conclusion of the Champions League season.

The players

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atlético Madrid, known for his steely demeanor and demanding coaching style, who surprised many with his emotional farewell to Griezmann.

Antoine Griezmann

The forward who is Atlético Madrid's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals across all competitions, and is set to join MLS club Orlando City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Antoine Griezmann is an admirable person for today's boys, and for a society that needs people like you.”

— Diego Simeone, Manager, Atlético Madrid

What’s next

Atlético Madrid will face Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will need to adapt their tactics and find new attacking solutions without Griezmann's presence.

The takeaway

Simeone's emotional farewell to Griezmann highlights the importance of player-manager relationships, even as established European players increasingly seek new challenges outside of the continent's top leagues. This shift could reshape the global football landscape in the coming years.