Simeone sad to say goodbye to Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann will step out at Estadio Metropolitano for the final time in an Atletico Madrid shirt when it faces Girona on Monday (AEST), and coach Diego Simeone is preparing to give the Frenchman a fitting send-off.
Griezmann leaves the club as Atleti's all-time top scorer with 212 goals. Monday's (AEST) game will also mark his 500th for the club.
Griezmann has scored 74 goals in 164 appearances for Atletico at Metropolitano in all competitions, at least 32 more than any other player for the club at this venue.
Asked what his best moment with Griezmann has been, Simeone said: "There isn't just one moment that stands out in a relationship like this.
"Without ever crossing that line... Coach, friendship... We have a very close relationship with his family. He came here young, grew in an extraordinary way, doing a fantastic job.
"He reached the greatest place for a player, which is winning a World Cup. He's Atletico's all-time leading scorer. He has the enviable respect of all his team-mates. I don't have just one memory with him.
"I remember when he came to tell me about his plans before leaving for Barcelona; it was a moment that had to be shared. It was good to understand what happened later. When he came back, it was a moment of joy, happiness; we knew a genius was returning. We will miss him.
"I would like him to be remembered for who he is. A good person, a noble guy, a responsible guy who was always there for Atletico. He had the humility to come back and win back the fans who, out of love for the club, were angry. I think he would want to be remembered as the person he is."
When questioned whether Griezmann was irreplaceable, Simeone added: "It's clear there won't be another like Griezmann.
"[He's] not irreplaceable; nobody is irreplaceable in life. But he is a special player. Beyond our sporting relationship, we've had a lovely family relationship."
Atletico has already secured UEFA Champions League football for next season, but could still finish as high as third if results go its way.
Girona, meanwhile, is still in danger of being relegated. After a six-game winless streak, it sits 15th, just one point above the drop zone, with two games left.
