Atletico Madrid’s forward Antoine Griezmann expressed his appreciation for the final moments at the club before the Copa del Rey showdown. The 35-year-old French football star, the top goal scorer in Atletico’s history, is set to depart at the end of the season to join MLS outfit Orlando City.
Having the opportunity to depart in March, Griezmann opted to stay to pursue silverware in the Copa del Rey or the Champions League, or ideally both. Atletico recently advanced to the Champions League semi-finals by defeating his former team Barcelona, and they are set to face another former club, Real Sociedad, in Seville.
Reflecting on his imminent departure, Griezmann shared his sentiments, emphasizing the significance of savoring every moment on the field and cherishing interactions with teammates and fans. The seasoned attacker, who clinched the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup with Atletico in 2018, expressed excitement about competing in another final during his 10th season over two stints with the club.
As Atletico gears up to battle Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, Griezmann conveyed his enthusiasm for the upcoming match, focusing on the importance of the moment rather than pondering whether it could be his last final. Real Sociedad, Griezmann’s first Spanish club, stands as a formidable obstacle on his quest for more silverware.
Meanwhile, Atletico’s coach Diego Simeone emphasized the team’s grounded approach following their victory over Barcelona, highlighting the collective aspiration to triumph in the final. Real Sociedad’s coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, praised Simeone’s remarkable tenure and acknowledged the unexpected journey that led his team to the cup final after a challenging start to the season.
Real Sociedad, who last secured the Copa del Rey in the postponed 2020 final, are eager to claim the trophy once again. Striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winning goal in the previous final, expressed nervous anticipation ahead of the upcoming showdown, underscoring the team’s shared ambition for success.
