Official: Griezmann leaves Atlético, to face Messi in MLS | OneFootball

The Frenchman will leave Europe and become an Orlando City signing starting next season. The player’s farewell letter.

The paths of Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi will cross again, but this time as rivals. Atlético de Madrid officially announced the Frenchman’s departure at the end of the season, as he will become a new signing for Orlando City on a contract that will run through 2028.

The Colchonero’s all-time leading scorer will take on his first challenge in MLS after spending his entire career in Spanish football. With the club’s permission, the 2018 World Cup champion traveled to the United States to formalize his deal with his future team.

When official competition ends, Griezmann will leave Atlético de Madrid after 10 seasons, during which he scored 211 goals in 488 matches (and he still has a few months left to add to that tally). He is also the fourth player to have worn that shirt the most times.

For its part, Orlando also announced on its social media the upcoming arrival of Griezmann, who will join as a Designated Player (Franchise Player). Although his deal will be for two years, he will have the option to extend it for one more season.

“From my very first conversations with the Club, I could sense great ambition and a clear vision for the future, and that convinced me. I’m very eager to make Orlando my new home, get to know the fans, feel the energy of Inter&Co Stadium, and give everything I have to help the team achieve great things,” the player said.

Griezmann’s farewell letter to Atlético de Madrid

It’s not easy to put into words what I’m feeling, because this club is my home and you are my family. It has been an incredible journey, full of unforgettable matches, goals, joy, and a passion that only those of us who feel Atleti can understand

But for now, let’s leave the future in the future, because I’m not leaving just yet. I still have months left in this shirt, months to give my all in our stadium and away from home, to lift that Copa del Rey, and to dream of going as far as possible in the Champions League.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.