Griezmann confronts former team in poignant finale before leaving Atleti
In anticipation of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad, the club that kickstarted his LaLiga journey, Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann mentioned that he is experiencing an emotional week cherishing his final moments with the team.
Atlético’s all-time top scorer is poised to transfer to Orlando City at the conclusion of the season.
“I’m taking it all in and enjoying it immensely,” Griezmann stated. “I’m feeling excited, eager, and content. I’m not contemplating whether this is my last final with Atleti. My focus is solely on the fact that this is a significant match, a final that only a few players get to participate in.”
Griezmann, who is the leading scorer for Atleti in this Copa del Rey season with five goals, developed through the Real Sociedad academy before joining Atlético in 2014.
“I’m trying not to dwell too much on [playing against Real Sociedad] because it makes me quite emotional, and I want to remain sharp for the match,” Griezmann clarified. “However, I owe them a great deal. They opened doors for me that were previously closed in France.”
Atleti approaches the final with confidence after defeating Barcelona on Tuesday to advance to the Champions League semifinals. Coach Diego Simeone remarked that his team has regained both mental and physical strength, redirecting their attention toward securing their first trophy in five years.
“The Champions League victory placed us in a wonderful position, and that can elevate your spirits, but now we are back to reality,” Simeone expressed. “Reality is what matters. We are grounded now, and we understand the challenges we will encounter.”
Real Sociedad aims for a slight upset to claim the trophy under Pellegrino Matarazzo. The American coach has enhanced the Basque team’s performance since taking charge mid-season.
“Who would have imagined that after our initial conversation, months later we would be competing in a final?” Matarazzo remarked.
“We don’t impose limits. We utilize each day to develop and enhance. That has been our journey from the very start.”
