By R. Alexander Núñez
The last appearance of Antoine Griezmann in the stadium Atlético de Madrid ended up becoming a tribute full of emotion, applause and pending words before his arrival at the MLS with the Orlando City. After the victory against Girona FC, the French striker addressed the Metropolitano fans and once again referred to one of the most controversial episodes of his career: his departure to the FC Barcelona in the 2019-2020 season.
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With visible tears during much of the event, Griezmann took the microphone in front of a stadium that remained full after the closing whistle. “Thank you all for staying in the stadium. You are amazing,” he said at the beginning of his speech.
Shortly after, he directly addressed his departure to the Catalan club. “Secondly, I want to say something very important to me. I know many did, but others didn’t. I apologize again“He said. Later he acknowledged: “I didn’t realize the love I had here and it was a mistake.”
A goodbye surrounded by club leaders
The tribute was prepared by the club at the end of the match. Players and coaching staff formed a hallway to receive the attacker while a banner on the grass displayed the message “Thank you Antoine.” From the stadium screens they also projected some of his most memorable goals with the red and white shirt.
The captains Jan Oblak, José María Giménez and Koke They gave him a shirt signed by the entire squad. He also received a membership card with his image for the next season, given by one of the club’s historical members and two children.
Former Atlético representatives joined the ceremony, including Fernando Torres and Diego Godín, who dedicated messages to him from the grass.
“It is a cycle that ends, the most beautiful of your life. From now on the legend begins. Thank you friend,” said Godín. Koke also recalled his return after leaving for Barcelona: “It’s true that he left and it hurt us all, but he gave it his all, he came back and showed that he is the best.”
Thanks and farewell closing
During his speech, Griezmann dedicated words to several members of the club. He thanked his teammates since 2014, the coaching staff and especially Diego Simeone. “Thanks to you I felt like the best in the world and I owe you a lot,” he said in reference to the Argentine coach.
He also highlighted the figure of Koke: “My favorite. Our Captain. I don’t know if I’m a legend, but you are build* legend of this club.”
The forward closed with a message addressed to his family and fans. He acknowledged that he did not manage to win certain titles during his time in Madrid, although he valued the bond built with the fans. “I have not been able to bring a league or a Champions League, but I have taken his love with me for a lifetime.”.
The day ended with the greeting of his wife and children on the grass, while the public continued applauding the man who bids farewell as the top scorer in the club’s history.
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