Can Griezmann end his Atletico love story in style?
While still at Real Sociedad in 2013, Griezmann revealed in his autobiography that he came close to joining Arsenal and playing under Arsene Wenger. "I waited, I waited, and I kept waiting," he wrote. "Finally, a few hours before the window closed, they told us Arsenal would not make a move.
I don't like being told something and for it not to happen. "So when Eric [Griezmann's former agent] told me later that the London club were interested again, I told him: 'Forget it, after the blow they gave us. '" A year later, Griezmann joined Simeone's Atletico for a fee believed to be worth 30m euros, a move that would define his career.
The 35-year-old is now the club's all-time leading scorer, though his legacy in Madrid extends far beyond the silverware. He has not only become a club icon, but also one of the most recognisable players in Spanish football. Antoine Griezmann's significance at Atletico Madrid goes far beyond his numbers.
He is regarded as their greatest player, not just a goalscorer, but more importantly as the most complete expression of what the club stands for. Simeone spoke about him with genuine emotion, even saying he loves him. Thierry Henry thanked him publicly a couple of weeks ago for everything he has given to football.
He is not just a likable character with a very positive leadership style, but someone that makes everyone around them better. For a whole generation of fans, Griezmann is Atletico. Apart from his two-year spell at Barcelona, he has been the constant reference point, the face of the team.