An emotional Diego Simeone, manager of Atlético Madrid, opened Tuesday’s news conference by expressing his admiration and gratitude for Antoine Griezmann, who is set to leave the team for Orlando City SC at season’s end. His heartfelt remarks came ahead of the team’s upcoming Champions League match against Barcelona.
While sitting next to Griezmann, Simeone requested to share a few words of tribute to the player, surprising him in the process.
“As Atlético fans and a coach, I want to take this chance to express my gratitude,” Simeone began, catching Griezmann off guard. “Thank you for your dedication and humility. You serve as an admirable role model for the youth of today.” He continued, “I appreciate all that you have done for us, what you are doing, and what you will continue to do.”
“Your commitment has taught me how to balance our friendship with our professional relationship. I regard you primarily as a player before anything else. We have eight league matches ahead, one Cup match, and, hopefully, five more Champions League games,” he added.
Simeone then joked: “I encourage you to enjoy these moments. I care about you a lot, but if you don’t run tomorrow, you’re coming off!”
Moved by the moment, Simeone smiled as Griezmann reciprocated with a warm gesture, expressing surprise at the manager’s words and promising to return the gesture of gratitude during their next family gathering.
When asked later if Griezmann, Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals, is the best player he has ever coached, Simeone responded, “I feel grateful to have coached such a game-changing player. He came to us as a winger and faced some challenges figuring out his role. I foresaw him moving to a more central position that required a lot of mental energy, and since then, he’s often been our top scorer. Yes, he is certainly one of the best I’ve ever had.”
As for his future in MLS, Griezmann stated he is presently focused on the upcoming match against his former club, Barcelona, rather than contemplating his future in Orlando. “I’ve been working hard to meet the expectations that ‘Cholo’ [Simeone] has for me. At this moment, it’s not right to discuss Orlando,” he said. “We have an incredible quarterfinal match tomorrow, a chance for high-level football. My focus is clear, and I want to contribute as much as possible.”
Report contributed by ESPN’s Lluis Bou.