Antoine Griezmann has apologised to Atletico Madrid fans for leaving to join Barcelona in 2019.
After five years playing for Diego Simeone’s side, during which he became one of the side’s most important players, the Frenchman joined Barcelona in a big-money move.
Things didn’t go so well for him at Camp Nou though and last season he returned to his previous club on a two-year loan deal, which included an option to buy.
That option has now been activated with the forward signing a contract that lasts until 2026 with Atleti paying Barca around €20m.
In his first league match since that deal was completed, he scored his 100th goal for the club to win them the game against Athletic Club, and after doing so, he apologised to their fans for leaving for Barcelona, asking them to forgive him.
“I am very proud that I was able to sign [return to Atletico] and be able to play my part,” he said.
“At the end of the day, I apologise. I know people want to hear it from me: I apologise for the hurt I may have caused people. But the biggest forgiveness I ask for is on the pitch, giving my all for the team on nights like this. We are on the right track.”
Atletico haven’t enjoyed a particularly good start to the season, trailing Barcelona and Real Madrid by three points in the league despite playing a match more and sitting third in their Champions League group, now unable to finish top of it.
Credit: 90min.com
