Antoine Griezmann bid farewell to fans of Atlético Madrid on Sunday night, May 17, after playing what was reportedly his final home game for the club. He also once again apologised for his decision to leave for FC Barcelona in 2019.

The 35-year-old forward is set to join Orlando City SC at the end of the season after spending 10 seasons with Atlético Madrid across two separate spells, which were interrupted by his unsuccessful move to Barcelona.

Griezmann addressed supporters on the pitch after Atlético secured a 1-0 victory over Girona FC in La Liga, with the French star providing the assist for the match-winning goal scored by Ademola Lookman.

“I want to thank all my teammates from 2014 until today. It’s incredible to share everything with them. Every battle, every victory, and every defeat.”

The forward also thanked his family, the club’s staff, and coach Simeone, saying the Argentine had “changed everything” for Atletico. Simeone led Atletico to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, but Griezmann arrived after the first and was at Barca when they secured the second.

Griezmann’s only major trophy with Atletico was the 2018 Europa League, which he lifted before triumphing with France at the World Cup in Russia that summer. Atletico greats including Fernando Torres and Diego Godin appeared to take part in the celebrations of the forward’s career, along with his family and president Enrique Cerezo