Simeone Pays Emotional Tribute to Departing Griezmann

Atletico Madrid manager delivers heartfelt farewell to veteran forward ahead of Barcelona clash.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:55am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes and blurred figures representing the energy and movement of a soccer match, conveying the emotional farewell between Atletico Madrid's manager and departing striker.As Atletico Madrid's veteran striker Antoine Griezmann prepares to depart the club, his manager Diego Simeone delivers a heartfelt farewell that captures the passion and emotion of their shared journey.Today in Orlando

In an emotional press conference, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone paid tribute to veteran forward Antoine Griezmann, who will be leaving the club at the end of the season to join MLS side Orlando City. Simeone praised Griezmann's professionalism, humility, and commitment during his time at Atleti, and expressed his hope that the 35-year-old will continue to give his all in the team's remaining matches, including a crucial Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona.

Why it matters

Griezmann's departure marks the end of an era for Atletico Madrid, as the French forward has been a key player for the club over the past decade. His exit comes as Atleti look to finally win the Champions League, a trophy that has eluded them despite reaching the final in 2016 and 2018.

The details

Griezmann has agreed to join MLS club Orlando City once the summer transfer window opens. He will play his final matches for Atletico Madrid, including the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona on Wednesday. In his farewell press conference, manager Diego Simeone delivered an emotional tribute to Griezmann, praising the player's professionalism, humility, and commitment to the club over the years.

  • Griezmann's departure from Atletico Madrid was confirmed last month.
  • Atletico Madrid will face Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • Atletico Madrid will play the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad later this month.

The players

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atletico Madrid, who has led the club to numerous trophies during his tenure.

Antoine Griezmann

A 35-year-old forward who has been a key player for Atletico Madrid over the past decade and is now departing the club to join MLS side Orlando City.

Orlando City

An MLS club based in Orlando, Florida, that has agreed to sign Antoine Griezmann once the summer transfer window opens.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you for all your work, all your humility. You are an admirable person for today's boys, and for a society that needs people like you. Thank you for everything you gave us, everything you give us and everything I am going to force you to continue giving us. Thank you for your commitment, for how you always behaved as a professional, as a person, knowing how to differentiate that beautiful relationship we have as a family and not cross that difficult line to take that is that of the coach and the player friend. I consider you a player and then a friend.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Manager

“There will be eight league games, one Copa del Rey game and God willing, we are going to play five more games in the Champions League. I invite you to continue enjoying, I love you very much. If any Atletico Madrid fan were here today, they would say the same words. I feel absolutely identified with them. I am your coach, you know that if you don't run tomorrow you go out. Nothing more. Sorry. I just wanted to say these words.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Manager

What’s next

Atletico Madrid will face Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 10, 2026, as Griezmann looks to help the club win the trophy that has eluded them in recent years. Atleti will also play the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad later this month.

The takeaway

Griezmann's departure from Atletico Madrid marks the end of an era for the club, as the veteran forward has been a key player for over a decade. However, his commitment to the team and professionalism have earned him the respect and admiration of manager Diego Simeone and the Atleti faithful, who will hope he can help the club achieve its long-awaited Champions League triumph before he departs.