Simeone Gives Departing Griezmann His Blessing: “I Love Him”

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has given the departing Antoine Griezmann his full blessing and thanked him for “five wonderful years”.

After months of rumours over his future, Griezmann finally confirmed he will indeed leave Atletico in the summer. He released a video through the club’s social media channels on Tuesday night to make his big announcement.

The France international’s decision to end a five-year stay at the Wanda Metropolitano came less than 12 months after signing a new lucrative contract.

Club president Enrique Cerezo has already confessed that Griezmann’s choice has left him “beyond annoyed” . While Barcelona have already been sternly warned over the dangers of signing the forward in the summer.

But Simeone is thankful for all Griezmann has done at Atletico and admits he was aware the 28-year-old’s future had been in doubt for some time.

“First of all, I am grateful for the footballer that we’ve had,” said Simeone, according to AOL .

“I only have words of gratitude for Griezmann. I love him as a person.

“I’ve learned not to judge the decisions of others. It’s your job to have an opinion. You have to give everything without expecting anything back. When someone like Antoine gives his all for us, we’re happy.

“We knew Griezmann leaving was a possibility. I spoke with Antoine before meeting with Miguel Angel [Gil, Atleti’s chief executive] and Andrea [Berta, their sporting director]. I told him what I thought with affection and fondness and this was between us only.

“When you give everything, as Antoine did, we are calm. Antoine is taking a step towards a new place. We have all participated in that growth over these five wonderful years. He is one of the best scorers in our history.

“Players are always looking for important teams, like Lucas Hernandez with Bayern Munich, Barcelona… historically there are better clubs and that growth is sought.”

Griezmann has managed 133 goals and 50 assists in 256 appearances for Atletico across all competitions.

In his five seasons in the Spanish capital, he’s won the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Supercopa de España.

Now Griezmann will prepare for his final La Liga match with Atletico at Levante on Saturday.