Griezmann applauded at Mestalla in what looked like his final visit | OneFootball

Antoine Griezmann received a rare ovation at Mestalla, parts of the Valencia crowd applauding him during what looked to be his final appearance there, despite a grim home display.

After the match, he thanked Mestalla in a social media post for the applause.

His relationship with Mestalla has rarely been fraught, and he has delivered standout displays there with Real Sociedad, Atlético and Barcelona. Valencia are his second favourite opponents, only Athletic ahead, with 14 goals in 27 games.

World Cup winner with France and a standard-bearer at Atlético, he has long been among the most complete forwards of his generation. As he nears the end of his LaLiga chapter and a move abroad, his possible exit would remove one of the league’s decisive figures of the past decade.

That made the gesture in Mestalla feel symbolic, a quiet nod to a notable career in Spain. The stadium is not known for easy ovations, which added weight to the moment. Part of the fanbase chose to acknowledge a footballer who, beyond rival colours, has left a mark on LaLiga.

Source: Superdeporte