Griezmann Bids Farewell to Atletico Fans: Joining Barcelona Was a Mistake
On May 18, 2026, at 11:45, Antoine Griezmann made his final address to Atletico Madrid's home fans as a player. The 35-year-old, who is the all-time top goal scorer for the club, is set to join Orlando City of the MLS this summer, ending his 10-year tenure with the team, which spanned two periods.
Griezmann Helps Atletico Secure Third Place in Final Home Game
In his farewell match against Girona, Atletico secured a 1-0 win, with Griezmann providing the assist for Ademola Lookman's goal. Following the match, Griezmann gave an emotional speech to the home crowd, starting with an apology for his decision to join Barcelona in the summer of 2019: “Firstly, thank you for staying. This is incredible. Secondly, something that is very important to me - I know many of you have done it, and some still haven’t, but I ask for your forgiveness again. I didn’t realize the love I had here. I was very young. It was a mistake. I reconsidered my decision and we did everything possible to return and enjoy it again."
Griezmann also took time to thank those who supported him during his time at Atletico, including Diego Simeone, Koke, and his family. "To the coaching staff and the one who changed everything in this club - Don Diego Pablo Simeone. Thanks to you, there is a lot of enthusiasm. I became a world champion and felt the best in the world. I owe you a lot and it was an honor to fight for you. I don’t know if I’m a legend, but you, Koke, are a legend of this club. My wife, she too. Thank you for supporting me in my bad days and holding my anger in defeats. I love you. Thank you to my parents, who took me all over France to play. Thanks to them, I am here and enjoying football. I didn’t win a La Liga or Champions League title, but this love is better for me. I will carry it with me throughout my life. And now I’m ending. Fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, thank you very much for bringing the children here to teach them that Atletico is the best in the world. Thank you," the former French national said, addressing the stadium crowd.
Photographs: Gettyimages
Griezmann's apology to Atletico fans for the Barca transfer was long overdue. It's clear he found his true home in Madrid. Do you think he'll ever regret leaving Atletico for the MLS?