Antoine Griezmann’s last Atletico Madrid game was pure Shakespearean tragedy
And so it ends, not with a bang, but with a whimper.
Just a week ago, Antoine Griezmann scored a brace against Marseille in the Europa League final to hand Los Rojiblancos the trophy.
So then, when he came on for the last 30 minutes of Atleti’s final game of the season at the weekend, you would have expected him to receive a hero’s welcome.
Right?
Credit to El Dia Despues for the images
Griezmann replaced Koke on the hour mark and was greeted with whistles from the home fans at the Wanda Mertopolitano.
Evidently, those in Madrid have made their minds up regarding the rumours linking the Frenchman with a move to Barcelona.
The atmosphere worsened as Griezmann began to influence the game.
Every touch was met with an eruption of whistles — a traditional indicator of displeasure in Spanish football.
Credit to El Dia Despues for the images
As the situation became apparent to those on the pitch, Fernando Torres comforted his team-mate.
El Nino, who was cheered throughout his final game in the famous red and white stripes, put his arm around Griezmann as a show of support.
Gabi was visibly disappointed by the crowd’s reaction as well.
He put up seven fingers towards the home fans, in reference to Griezmann’s squad number.
DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP Click here to pre-register for this summer’s brilliant game
Credit to El Dia Despues for the images
Diego Simeone then instructed Diego Godin to approach the fans and ask them to chant Greizmann’s name.
The Uruguayan centre-back approached fans behind the goal and his message was relayed throughout the stand.
Pockets of fans then began to chant in favour of Griezmann, with Godin and Simeone encouraging others to join in.
Credit to El Dia Despues for the images
However, praise for the 27-year-old didn’t last long.
Torres approached once more during a break in play and put his arm around his downbeat companion.
Credit to El Dia Despues for the images
After a few words of support from the fan favourite, Griezmann was reduced to tears.
His sombre mood was apparent for the remainder of the game.
It may be that the last image we ever see of Griezmann in an Ateltico shirt is of him stifling tears among a hostile environment.
Credit to El Dia Despues for the images
We can understand the fans’ frustration with the situation.
Nobody wants their team to lose their best player.
However, Griezmann is not Madrid born and bred, he’s been at the club for four years.
Prior to the Europa League success, all he had to show for his time with Atletico was a Supercopa medal.
He has scored 112 goals in 208 games for the club and has tried his utmost to help his side compete with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid both domestically and in Europe.
Surely he deserves recognition for his efforts?
Dream Team World Cup has landed!The greatest show on Earth just got that bit more exciting.
That’s because the Dream Team World Cup game is coming ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Getty Images - Getty Can Messi finally achieve glory internationally?[/caption]
The game officially launches on June 1 – but you can pre-register for the game now.
If you’re an existing Dream Team customer the World Cup game now appears in the app or you can enter here, but if you’re not follow these simple steps:
Download the Dream Team app Create an account Click on the World Cup banner below in the app and follow the pre-registration instructionsFrom Russia with a whole lot of love.
No comments