Griezmann Apologizes to Atlético Faithful in Emotional Wanda Farewell

Antoine Griezmann used his final home appearance for Atlético Madrid to publicly apologize for his 2019 transfer to Barcelona, calling the move a youthful mistake. The 35-year-old French forward, whose contract expires this summer, framed the fans' affection as worth more than the La Liga and Champions League titles he never won in Catalonia.

The news

Per @FabrizioRomano, Antoine Griezmann delivered a candid farewell to Atlético Madrid supporters after his final home appearance, asking forgiveness for his 2019 transfer to Barcelona. "Please forgive me. I was young and I made a mistake to join Barcelona," the 35-year-old French forward said. "I didn't win La Liga or the UCL, but your love is what matters."

Prior context

Griezmann came through the youth ranks at Real Sociedad, where he won the Segunda División in his debut senior season in 2009-10 before joining Atlético in 2014 for a then-club record €30 million. Under Diego Simeone, he became one of the club's signature players, only to depart for Barcelona via his release clause in 2019 — a move that yielded neither a La Liga title nor a Champions League crown. He returned to the Wanda Metropolitano on loan in 2021 before completing a permanent move and rebuilding his standing with the supporters.

Key markers of the farewell

Age: 35, with contract expiring at end of current season
Joined Atlético: 2014, then-club record €30M transfer from Real Sociedad
Departed for Barcelona: 2019, via release clause
Trophies missed at Barcelona: La Liga, UEFA Champions League
Returned to Atlético: 2021 (loan), later made permanent
Youth foundation: Real Sociedad academy graduate

What it means

The apology marks a rare moment of public contrition from a player of Griezmann's stature, reframing one of the most controversial transfers of the past decade as a personal misstep rather than a career milestone. For Atlético, his departure closes a defining chapter under Simeone and leaves the club without one of its most recognizable attacking figures heading into the summer window. The candor — and the explicit prioritization of fan affection over silverware — cements the goodwill he rebuilt across his second spell.

What to watch next

Reports indicate Griezmann has already signed a deal for his next destination, with the formal announcement expected once his Atlético contract lapses this summer. His final away appearances and any closing ceremony at the Metropolitano will be the next milestones in a farewell already framed by his own words.