ANTOINE GRIEZMANN APOLOGIES TO ATLETICO MADRID FANS AHEAD OF SUMMER EXIT - "IT WAS A MISTAKE TO GO TO BARCELONA"

 

It was an emotional farewell for Griezmann as he addressed the fans in a special ceremony after full-time. Photo by Javier SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images

On Sunday, Antoine Griezmann made his final appearance at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano as an Atletico Madrid player. The 35-year-old, who is the club’s all-time top goalscorer, has already agreed to join MLS side Orlando City in the summer, thus bringing to an end a 10-year career across two spells.

After Sunday’s match against Girona, which Atleti won 1-0 with Griezmann providing the assist for Ademola Lookman’s goal, the Frenchman gave an emotional speech to the home crowd, and as per Sport, he started it by once again apologising for his decision to join Barcelona in the summer of 2019.

“First, thank you all for staying. This is amazing. Second, and something very important to me, I know that many did and some still did not, but I ask your forgiveness again. I didn’t realize the affection I had here. I was very young. It was a mistake (to go to Barcelona), I reconsidered and we did everything to come back and enjoy it again.”

Griezmann pays special tribute to Simeone and Koke

Griezmann also took the time to pay tribute to those that have helped him during his time at Atleti, such as Diego Simeone, Koke Resurreccion and his family.

“To the coaching staff and to the one who changed everything at this club: Don Diego Pablo Simeone. Thanks to you there is a lot of enthusiasm and I was world champion and I felt the best in the world. I owe you a lot and it has been an honour to fight for you. I don’t know if I’m a legend, but you, Koke, are a legend of this club. My wife, my wife too. Thank you for supporting me in my bad days and holding my anger in defeats. I love you.

“I also thank my parents, who took me all over France to play. Thanks to them I am here enjoying football. I haven’t been able to bring a league or a Champions League, but this affection is better for me. I’ll take it for the whole trip. Now, I’m done. Fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, thank you very much for bringing the children here, to teach them that Atleti is the best in the world. Thank you.”

- John Menzies

THIERRY HENRY LIFTS LID ON PRIVATE TALKS WITH ARSENAL STAR AFTER ATLÉTICO MADRID WIN

Thierry Henry has given an insight into Bukayo Saka's condition in the lead-up to the semi-final second leg

Thierry Henry has revealed the private injury messages he shared with Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal's Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.

Saka scored the only goal as the Gunners sealed a 2-1 aggregate win at a raucous Emirates Stadium. The 24-year-old, who has had an Achilles issue, only returned to action against Fulham on Saturday, scoring the second goal before being withdrawn at half-time.

After scoring the crucial goal against Atleti, he was taken off just before the hour mark. Post-match, Henry revealed the private chats he's been having with Saka and how he is still struggling fitness-wise.

Speaking on US broadcaster CBS, Henry said: "I would love to see if we can speak to Bukayo because I want him to explain to people that being a footballer is not always about the glamorous times.

"He's been questioned all season. Can he be the guy? Is he not the guy? Is he the star boy? Is he not the star boy? Is he better than him or not better than him?

"Today, he had to play with barely any training. I know he's suffering with his Achilles tendon. I spoke to him and he came back and was like, 'I've got to be on the pitch. I've got to be on the pitch against Fulham. I have to be. It's do or die.'

"So you have to give those guys a lot of credit. Sometimes we take it for granted. We all played through injuries. We all played with moments where you're not 100% and he had to do it, deliver it for Arsenal."

Henry did get to speak Saka and said: "I know what you went through the whole season, I know what you had to endure, what you were listening to from people.

"And what you had to do to be on that field, not only today but also against Fulham. Can you explain the pain, physically and mentally, to be able to reach a final?"

Saka declined to go into details but thanked Henry for his support. The Hale End graduate said: "It's not the moment. I don't want to say I'm struggling or make people feel sorry for me. As soon as I step onto that pitch, I have to be ready for the critics if I don't perform.

"But I'm very happy today. I've been speaking to you throughout the season. You've been there for me. You know what it's been like but today's a very special moment."

- Mark Whiley

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