Simeone Commits To Atletico Future, Griezmann Bids Emotional Farewell

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has expressed his intention to remain at the club until at least 2027, even as Antoine Griezmann said an emotional goodbye to supporters after his final home match.

Simeone’s long stay in the Spanish capital will continue despite periodic speculation about his future. The Argentine, who has guided Atletico through one of the most successful eras in their history, is already focused on the next campaign after a third-place finish in La Liga.

“If I’m being honest, I’m thinking about next season. I’m thinking about myself. I will continue, but I’m thinking about how to approach a new season,” he said.

Although Simeone admitted he would like to coach in Italy one day, naming Inter Milan and Lazio as dream destinations, he stressed that any move is not imminent. His tenure in Madrid has delivered two league titles and two UEFA Europa League triumphs, cementing his legacy.

The weekend also marked a farewell for Griezmann, who apologised once more for his controversial 2019 move to Barcelona before returning to the club. The French forward will join Orlando City at the end of the season after a decade split across two spells in Madrid.

Speaking on the pitch at the packed Metropolitano Stadium after a 1-0 win over Girona, he said, “I know many of you have (forgiven me), but some still haven’t, so I apologise again.

“I didn’t realise how much love I had here, I was very young, and well, I made a mistake.

“I reconsidered and we did everything to come back here and enjoy it again.”

Griezmann assisted the winner scored by Ademola Lookman in his final home appearance. He leaves as Atletico’s all-time leading scorer with 212 goals in 500 games after joining from Real Sociedad in 2014.

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

He also paid tribute to Simeone, saying the coach had “changed everything” at the club.