An emotional Diego Simeone was focused on the future after a tearful evening in the Metropolitano, where fans bid farewell to club legend Antoine Griezmann in his last home appearance as an Atlético Madrid player.
“It’s been 15 years now, and we’re getting older too, so the feelings are… I sometimes wonder if it’s worth continuing, and I find that it is, because there are so many people who want the goal we’re pursuing, so many people whose lives have been changed and who are filled with hope to see
Atleti, the Atleti that competes,” Simeone reflected as he discussed Griezmann’s imminent exit to join Orlando City.
“I see a stadium that respects a legend like Griezmann, there’s a club that takes care of the player, that seeks to give him a farewell befitting his work, and so much more,” he said.
Diego Simeone on what he’ll miss most about Griezmann
“Hmm… So many things… He has something that sets him apart from the rest: he takes charge of the team. It’s not easy to find that, a player who, when things get tough, steps up and leads the team. There are few players like that, and we’ll work hard to find one. Obviously, teams need players like that, like Koke. I remember he started the first three games on the bench; he came in against Villarreal (in September), quietly, working hard. He carries a weight that can’t be explained in words. He carries that weight, and coaches know what that means.
“Hopefully, we can find that quality Antoine leaves behind and have what it takes to compete the way we always have.”
Simeone on his relationship with Griezmann
“Relationships with players are hard to explain. ‘Are you friends with Antoine?’ you ask me. No, I’m not friends with him, but I care deeply for him. I love him. We have a great, family-like relationship, but I don’t go out to dinner with him every week, nor do I call him on the phone if I have a problem. But something develops that I can’t explain. It’s something we coaches call a soft spot. Antoine was a soft spot of mine. Last year, when he couldn’t deliver as we wanted, I kept pushing him because I trusted him. I don’t think I’ve ever been wrong about him. With other things, yes…”
Simeone on what encouraged him to open up with Griezmann in his speech
“Antoine is a man of few words, but what he conveys is profound, above all. He’s always conveyed that. I know the affection he has for me and that we have for him and his family.
What did I like about today? Sometimes it’s hard to explain, because we all live for the material things; winning a Cup matters to us. We didn’t win it this year, but we gave everything we had. I can guarantee you that we gave it our all. Seeing the fans’ affection, having them sit quietly for 25 or 30 minutes, listening with respect.
“Respect is the greatest thing in the world, and it’s been lost in this society, that famous respect for others. Our fans showed that, when they talk about the Atlético family, it was present in the stands, in the players, in the captains who came. Then Antoine expressed his affection and what Atlético means to him as best he could.”
Simeone on Oblak leaving his future open
“I haven’t spoken with Oblak about the matter. When I do, I’ll let you know.”
Simeone on Griezmann’s greatest legacy
“It’s not our place to judge other players, each has their own qualities. Antoine has his: respect, humility, hard work… He never crossed that coach-player line that our relationship might have allowed, but he didn’t do it. I took him out of games, and he never showed any reaction beyond the normal frustration a player like him might feel. We had a genius. I don’t know if many players have the technical ability and the goals he’s scored. It won’t be easy.”
Simeone on important players leaving
“Sadness, first of all. There are uncomfortable conversations, but they have to be had; I have to make decisions. I always thought I’d leave the way I arrived, believing that whatever I decide will be best for Atlético. That’s the situation I’m in. That’s why we talk to Griezmann, to Savić, to Godín, to all the guys who are leaving us, who were so important in this process.
“What excites me are the players. The ones who might come, the ones who stay, the ones who represent me, the ones in whom I see the drive to do the work needed to be where we are.”
Simeone on his future
“Yes, I’m staying. Yes.”
