Simeone Thanks Griezmann For His

By Joshua Walters

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone has thanked his striker Antoine Griezmann for spending ‘five wonderful years’ in his career with the club.

Simeone believes the departing forward has paid his dues at the club and says the French World Cup winner will leave with his full blessing.

Reports are that, the former Real Sociedad striker is close on finalising his move to Barcelona as Simeone claims there is only so much Atletico can do to keep their star players out of the grasp of opponent clubs, such as Barcelona. 

"First of all, I am grateful for the footballer that we've had," he said in Friday's news conference. "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 joined Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2014 and has scored 133 goals in 256 appearances, winning the Europa League, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup in his time at the club.