Antoine Griezmann’s Champions League farewell as Arsenal end Atlético dream | OneFootball

Antoine Griezmann played the final Champions League match of his career in London, a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, departing the competition with credit as Atlético’s dream ended.

According to L'Équipe, he will join Orlando City this summer after agreeing a deal in March. The 35-year-old’s last European ambition was to lift the trophy with Atlético, who won La Liga in 2014 and 2021 without him, and he also lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad three weeks ago.

He stood before the travelling fans at the Emirates, tearful and towel-draped, while the Gunners celebrated reaching the final. The stadium then blasted Freed from Desire, drowning out the Colchoneros’ applause and jarring with the moment.

He tested David Raya with a powerful right-foot strike from a tight angle, and on the same move was tripped by Riccardo Calafiori. It looked a clear penalty, but the referee gave an earlier foul on Gabriel.

He also slipped in Marcos Llorente, only for the assistant’s flag to cut the move short. His Argentinian strike partner struggled despite their usual understanding.

Probably the greatest player in Atlético’s history, he is their undisputed record scorer with 212 goals, including 40 in the Champions League, placing him 16th all-time. His final goal in the competition was a deft left-foot finish against Tottenham on 10 March at the Metropolitano.

Arsenal defender William Saliba said he considered Griezmann a legend who troubled them in both legs and he wished him well for the rest of his career.

Source: L'Équipe