FEATURE | Antoine Griezmann – a legend for club and country

Despite Atlético Madrid’s disappointing 3-3 draw against Getafe in midweek, there was at least one thing to cheer about: Antoine Griezmann, after 364 games for the club, equalled the late Luis Aragones’ all-time goal-scoring record for the club, a record he is sure to surpass in the coming weeks. 

After a brace in the midweek, the French international brought his tally up to 173 goals and confirmed his place as an Atlético legend. However, Griezmann’s road to legendary status has not been without its controversies. His departure to La Liga rivals Barcelona risked ruining his legacy at the club; his plaque outside the stadium was trashed, he was whistled by the fans who once loved him, and many at the club did not have kind words for a player who owed them so much. Club president Enrique Cerezo slammed the forward for “leaving through the backdoor rather than with everyone’s blessing. Players play where they want. If they want to leave, go.”

Griezmann, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, ultimately made the 120 million euro move to Barcelona, where he went on to spend an unhappy two years between 2019 and 2021. While nobody doubted his ability, he joined the Catalan club during a low point in their history and was never able to integrate into the team, only scoring a total of 22 goals in his two-year spell. 

Griezmann’s career was at a crossroads, and it was time to return home to his beloved colchoneros . Many were opposed to the idea, and Griezmann’s immediate return was hardly a bed of roses. The Frenchman was limited to an average of just 30 minutes a game as Atlético hierarchy wished to reduce Barcelona’s asking price: A two-year loan deal was struck between the two clubs that stipulated that if Griezmann