Simeone Praises ‘Comrade’ Griezmann as Frenchman’s Final Month at Atletico Madrid Approaches

The 35-year-old French attacker, who holds the record as Atletico’s all-time leading goalscorer, will be leaving the club at the end of the season to join MLS team Orlando City.

Simeone spoke directly to Griezmann during a press conference held Tuesday, just before the showdown at Camp Nou against Barca.

“I want to express my gratitude for your hard work, your humility, and your role model behaviour for the youngsters in a society that truly needs more people like you,” Simeone said to the forward.

“Thanks for all that you’ve contributed, and for everything you still give us… You’re not just a player; I consider you a friend as well.”

“We still have a Copa del Rey final ahead, and if all goes well, we could have five more matches in the Champions League to enjoy. Just know that I care about you a great deal.”

Known for his rigorous expectations of players’ performance, the coach jokingly reminded Griezmann that he wouldn’t be let off the hook just because of his impending departure.

“That said, I’m still your coach, so if you don’t run tomorrow, you’re coming off,” Simeone quipped.

Griezmann, a 2018 World Cup winner with France, expressed his gratitude to Simeone, calling it an “honour” to play under the Argentine.

“I hope people will remember my performances and the effort I put in. I want to be seen as a player who works hard for the team and occasionally scores goals,” Griezmann remarked.

However, the forward opted not to discuss his upcoming move to the United States, choosing instead to concentrate on the impending match against his former club, Barcelona, where he had a challenging two-year stint from 2019 to 2021.

“We know how formidable they are at home. They are a team that attacks exceptionally well and defends slightly less effectively, but their calculations are always spot on; if they concede one goal, they respond by scoring three,”

he noted.