Antoine Griezmann: Can he win Champions League with Atletico Madrid? Antoine Griezmann’s final chapter with Atletico Madrid is set against the backdrop of a historic Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The French forward, who is set to depart the club at the end of the season, has become a central figure in the narrative as Atletico prepares to face the Gunners in the first leg of the tie. The emotional farewell to Griezmann, a player who has defined the club’s identity over the past decade, has taken on added significance as his legacy intertwines with Atletico’s pursuit of European glory. Diego Simeone, Atletico’s legendary manager, took an unprecedented step during a pre-match media session ahead of the quarter-final against Barcelona by delivering a heartfelt tribute to Griezmann. The gesture, which caught the player off guard, underscored the deep respect Simeone holds for him. “I want to thank you for your hard work and your humility,” Simeone said, highlighting Griezmann’s role as a role model for young athletes. “You are an admirable person in a society where young people need role models like you.” Griezmann, visibly moved, responded with gratitude, acknowledging the profound impact he has had on the club and its supporters. Griezmann’s decision to extend his stay at Atletico until the end of the season, rather than joining Orlando City earlier, has allowed him to fulfill his final commitments to the club. The 35-year-old, who has made 494 appearances and scored 212 goals for Atletico, has chosen to leave on his own terms, ensuring a dignified exit. His journey with the club has been marked by resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the team’s ethos.#arsenal #champions_league #atletico_madrid #diego_simeone #antoine_griezmann
Griezmann Confident Atlético Madrid on Verge of Historic Champions League Win Against Arsenal Antoine Griezmann expressed unwavering confidence that Atlético Madrid is on the brink of achieving something extraordinary in their Champions League semifinal clash against Arsenal, as the two teams prepare to face off at the Emirates Stadium. The match, set for Tuesday, will determine which side advances to the final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich. Atlético and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg last week at the Metropolitano, with penalties from Viktor Gyökeres and Julián Álvarez securing the draw. Griezmann, 35, emphasized that the team’s goal is to reach the final and “make history,” a pursuit he has long envisioned since his time at Atlético. Griezmann, who will join Orlando City in Major League Soccer this summer, reflected on his decision to stay with Atlético despite considering a midseason transfer to MLS. He highlighted his commitment to the club, recalling his participation in their last Champions League final in 2016. That year, Atlético reached the final but lost to Real Madrid in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Griezmann missed a penalty in normal time before converting in the shootout, a moment he described as a defining experience. “I was always clear: my goal was to stay here, because we could do something incredible,” he said during a press conference in London. “I had no doubts. I felt we could do something historic, with another final, and the team knows it.” Despite his illustrious career, including a World Cup victory with France and a Europa League title with Atlético, Griezmann has never won the Champions League.#arsenal #atletico_madrid #diego_simeone #julian_alvarez #antoine_griezmann
Next World Star Joins MLS After Messi and Müller Antoine Griezmann, the French footballer who previously left Atletico Madrid for the United States last winter, has finalized his decision to join Major League Soccer. The transfer to Orlando City has been confirmed by both clubs, with Griezmann set to complete the move in the summer after finishing the current season with Atlético Madrid. Griezmann’s career has spanned over a decade as one of Europe’s top attacking talents. He began his professional journey at Mâconnais before moving to Real Sociedad in 2010. In 2014, he made a high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid for 54 million euros, marking a significant step in his career. His performance at the Rojiblancos earned him recognition, and in 2019, he broke his own transfer record by moving to FC Barcelona for 120 million euros. However, his time at Camp Nou was challenging, as he struggled to establish himself as a key player. After two seasons, he returned to Madrid on loan in 2021 and later joined permanently for 22 million euros. Griezmann was also a central figure in France’s national team, contributing to their 2018 World Cup victory. His versatility and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite, but his career has been marked by frequent transfers and adjustments to new leagues. Now, with his move to MLS, he aims to continue his legacy in a new continent. The decision comes after a period of uncertainty, as his initial transfer to the U.S. fell through last winter. Orlando City’s acquisition of Griezmann represents a significant investment in the club’s future, as the Frenchman’s experience and skill could elevate the team’s performance.#atltico_madrid #real_sociedad #fc_barcelona #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann
Antoine Griezmann: Atletico Madrid Legend to Join MLS Side Orlando City Antoine Griezmann, the former France international and Atletico Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, is set to make a move to Major League Soccer with Orlando City. The 35-year-old forward, who previously played for Real Sociedad and Barcelona, will join the MLS club this summer after a second spell with Atletico Madrid. Griezmann, who has scored over 200 goals for the club, is nearing 300 career goals across his professional career. In a statement, Griezmann expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter, saying he was “very excited” to begin his time with Orlando City. He highlighted the club’s “strong ambition and clear vision for the future” as key factors in his decision. “I look forward to making Orlando my new home,” he added. Griezmann’s move marks the end of his international career, which he concluded in 2024 after earning 137 caps and scoring 44 goals. He was a key member of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup. The transfer comes as he prepares to relocate to Florida in July, where he will sign a contract that could keep him in MLS until 2029. The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with Griezmann’s agent confirming the deal is close to completion. His arrival at Orlando City is seen as a significant boost for the club, which aims to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2025 MLS season.#barcelona #atletico_madrid #real_sociedad #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann
Antoine Griezmann Completes Transfer to Orlando City from Atlético Madrid Orlando City has officially announced the signing of French forward Antoine Griezmann to a two-year Designated Player contract. The 35-year-old will join the MLS club in the summer after completing his current season with Atlético Madrid. The deal, which runs through the 2027-28 season, includes an option for an additional year in 2028-29. Griezmann’s transfer is contingent on passing a medical examination, obtaining his International Transfer Certificate, and securing a P-1 visa. Griezmann will remain with Atlético Madrid for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign before joining Orlando City on July 13, when the summer transfer window opens. In a statement, Griezmann expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his career, highlighting his enthusiasm for the club’s ambition and vision. “I look forward to making Orlando my new home, meeting the supporters, feeling the energy at Inter&Co Stadium, and giving everything I have to help the team achieve great things,” he said. The signing marks a significant milestone for Orlando City, which has long sought to bolster its roster with high-profile talent. Club owner and chairman Mark Wilf praised Griezmann’s decision, calling him “one of the most gifted, accomplished and influential players of his generation.” Wilf emphasized that the move aligns with the club’s mission to build a championship-caliber team, stating that adding a world-class player like Griezmann reinforces their commitment to success. Griezmann’s career achievements are extensive, spanning multiple clubs and competitions. At the club level, he has won the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League, the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2014 Spanish Supercopa with Atlético Madrid.#atltico_madrid #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann #ricardo_moreira #mark_wilf
Griezmann Commits to Atletico Madrid After Orlando Move Rejection Antoine Griezmann, the forward for Atletico Madrid, has clarified his decision to remain with the club despite interest from Orlando City. The transfer talks, which had reached an advanced stage, were paused as Atletico advanced to the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League quarterfinals. Griezmann emphasized his dedication to the club, stating, "I always wanted to do everything to accomplish great things here." He highlighted his positive experience at the team, noting, "I feel very good here, on the pitch. It's true that at the beginning, it was more difficult to manage. With work, a passion for football, things became easier, and so did the support of my family." When asked about the upcoming derby against Real Madrid, Griezmann downplayed the significance of the match, saying, "I don’t really think about it. I have a lot of fun. I'm having a blast, I'm playing more than at the start of the season. I savour the present moment." His focus remains on contributing to Atletico’s success in both domestic and European competitions. The player expressed his ambition to win the Copa del Rey while pushing as far as possible in the Champions League, adding, "The two, we cannot choose. You have to do both." Griezmann’s commitment to Atletico underscores his desire to achieve long-term success with the club, balancing personal growth with team objectives. His comments reflect a blend of gratitude for the support he has received and a clear vision of his role in the squad’s future. As Atletico prepares for key matches in the coming weeks, Griezmann’s presence remains a vital asset in their pursuit of trophies.#real_madrid #champions_league #copa_del_rey #atletico_madrid #antoine_griezmann
Antoine Griezmann has clarified his decision to remain with Atletico Madrid despite ongoing speculation about a potential move to MLS club Orlando City. The French forward confirmed his commitment to the club, which he is contracted to until June 2027, as he aims to solidify his legacy as a key figure in the club's history. Griezmann addressed the rumors during a post-match interview following Atletico Madrid’s 5-2 Champions League victory over Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored and assisted. He emphasized his satisfaction with his current role, stating, “I’m really good here, enjoying myself a lot. What I do on the pitch speaks for me by itself. We’ll see, but the idea is to stay until the end, and then others can speak.” His focus remains on contributing to the team’s success under manager Diego Simeone. Orlando City’s interest in Griezmann has been well-documented, with sporting director Ricardo Moreira reportedly traveling to Spain multiple times to discuss a potential transfer. However, Atletico’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, swiftly dismissed the rumors, reaffirming Griezmann’s dedication to the club. The MLS team now faces a prolonged wait, as Griezmann’s contract ties him to Atletico until 2027, with the club’s priority transfer window closing on March 26. The Frenchman’s decision is driven by his desire to win major trophies, particularly the Copa del Rey. Atletico is set to face Real Sociedad in the final on April 18, and Griezmann expressed his ambition to achieve “something big” with the team. His refusal to pursue a mid-season move underscores his commitment to the club’s objectives. Orlando City’s rejection of Griezmann marks a significant setback for the MLS team, which currently has the worst record in the league.#atletico_madrid #diego_simeone #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann #ricardo_moreira
