Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone delivered a heartfelt tribute to Antoine Griezmann before their Champions League clash against Barcelona, marking the French star’s impending departure for Orlando City SC. Seated beside Griezmann, Simeone praised his “humility, commitment, and role as a societal role model,” emphasizing their bond as both coach and friend. “I view you first as a player, then as a friend,” Simeone stated, acknowledging Griezmann’s evolution from wide play to central dominance, which solidified him as Atlético’s all-time top scorer with 211 goals across competitions. He humorously urged Griezmann to “keep running tomorrow or face the consequences,” eliciting laughter and emotion from the duo.