Atltico Madrid defeated Barcelona from the tournament and secured a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. On the eve of another decisive match against Arsenal, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, Antoine Griezmann made headlines by reflecting on his past in the tournament.
The French forward opened up about his football career in an interview with UEFA, talking about his ties to the club, his relationship with coach Diego Simeone and, above all, his missed penalty in 2016.
The moment no one expected, the crazy header that shocked the AFC Champions League final
Unfulfilled dream: Griezmann wants to make history at Atltico
The 35-year-old forward will end his iconic career at Atltico Madrid by signing with Major League Soccer’s Orlando City this summer, but he is hoping to do well above all by healing a painful wound.
Grizo has never forgotten the penalty he missed in the 48th minute of the second half of the 2016 Champions League final against Real Madrid. With the score tied at 1-1, Atlótico lost on penalties. The French star wondered if everything would have been different if he had taken that penalty.
“I don’t think about it every day, but whenever I talk about the Champions League with my friends and teammates, that moment always comes to mind: that penalty in 2016,” Griezmann confessed.
Now, looking ahead to Wednesday’s game scheduled for 3pm ET at Riyadh Air Metropolitan Stadium, he explained that winning the tournament means more than just a title.
It will heal a very deep wound. The only way to overcome that is to win this year.
The forward also highlighted his strong ties to Atltico, the club where he became an idol and attacking leader. For him, his feelings for Atlótico are “something beyond love.”
“The love of the club colors, the love of the club crest and the love of football, because the fans love football. And the love of hard work. I think that’s why I connected with the club and the fans so quickly,” he said.
In this regard, “Grigi” emphasized the value of the project led by Diego Simeone. He has maintained a long-standing professional relationship with Simeone, which shaped his career and the team’s competitive identity, and he can now be considered a friend.
After all, he gave me everything and I think I gave him everything. I enjoy and enjoy having him by my side. Beyond my career, I have him as a friend and former coach and I know we will always be very close.
Thus, at a pivotal moment in the season, and with Atltico once again competing as Europe’s best team, Griezmann is not only spending his final days with a team in which he has played over 500 games and scored over 200 goals in two stints, but his message combines ambition, a sense of belonging and a clear aim to take the club to the top of the continent and achieve historic results.
UEFA Champions League matches:
First leg matches:
Tuesday, April 28th: PSG vs. Bayern Munich – 3pm ET at Parc des Princes Wednesday, April 29th: Atltico Madrid vs. Arsenal – 3pm ET at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium
Second leg matches:
Tuesday, May 5th: Arsenal vs. Atltico Madrid – 3pm ET at Emirates Stadium Wednesday, May 6th: Bayern Munich vs. PSG – 3pm ET at Allianz Arena.
Grand final:
Saturday, May 30th, 12:00 PM ET, Pusk Arna, Budapest, Hungary.
