Atlético Madrid has just knocked Barcelona out of the tournament and secured its spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. On the eve of another decisive match, set for Wednesday, April 29, against Arsenal, Antoine Griezmann made headlines by reflecting on his past in the tournament.
The French forward opened up about his footballing life in an interview with UEFA, in which he discussed his connection to the club, his relationship with coach Diego Simeone, and, above all, his missed penalty in 2016.
The unfulfilled dream: Griezmann wants to make history with Atlético
The 35-year-old forward will bring his iconic career at Atlético Madrid to a close this summer by signing with Major League Soccer's Orlando City, and he wants to go out on a high note-above all, by healing a painful wound.
"Grizou" hasn't forgotten the missed penalty in the second half of the 2016 Champions League final against Real Madrid in the 48th minute. With the score tied 1-1, Atlético lost the penalty shootout, and the French star was left wondering if everything would have been different had he converted that penalty:
"It's not something I think about every day, but whenever we talk about the Champions League with friends or teammates, that moment always comes up-the one from 2016, the penalty,” Griezmann confessed.
Now, looking ahead to Wednesday's match, scheduled for 3:00 PM ET at Riyadh Air Metropolitan Stadium, he explained that winning the tournament would mean much more than just a title:
It would heal a very deep wound. The only way to get over it would be to win this year.
Antoine Griezmann
The forward also highlighted his strong connection to Atlético, a club where he became an idol and offensive leader. For him, his feelings toward Atlético are “fsomething ar beyond love.”
"Love for the club's colors, for the club's crest, and love for soccer-because the fans love soccer-and love for hard work; I think that's why I connected so quickly with the club and its fans,” he said.
In that regard,"Grizi" underscored the value of the project led by Diego Simeone, with whom he has maintained a professional relationship for years that has shaped his career and the team’s competitive identity-and whom he can now consider a friend:
I think, ultimately, he has given me everything, and I have given everything to him. I enjoy and have enjoyed having him by my side. I know that, beyond my career, I will have him as a friend, a former coach, and that we will always be very close.
Antoine Griezmann
Thus, at a pivotal moment in the season, and with Atlético once again competing among Europe's best, Griezmann is not only spending his final days with the team where he played over 500 matches and scored more than 200 goals across two stints, but his message combines ambition, a sense of belonging, and a clear goal:to take the club to the top of the continent and settle a historic score.
UEFA Champions League Matches:
First Leg Matches:
- Tuesday, April 28: PSG vs. Bayern Munich – 3:00 PM ET at Parc des Princes
- Wednesday, April 29: Atlético Madrid vs. Arsenal – 3:00 PM ET at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium
Second Leg Matches:
- Tuesday, May 5: Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid – 3:00 PM ET at Emirates Stadium
- Wednesday, May 6: Bayern Munich vs. PSG – 3:00 PM ET at Allianz Arena.
Grand Final:
- Saturday, May 30 at 12:00 PM ET at Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary.
