Griezmann Reveals Mental Pain After Atletico Madrid Collapse

Antoine Griezmann Opens Up on Atletico Madrid’s Turbulent Season

Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid’s iconic forward, has openly discussed the profound mental impact of his club’s collapse in both La Liga and the Champions League last season. The French star, who has recently renewed his contract with Atletico Madrid until 2027, remains determined to bring more silverware to the club despite the setbacks that left his spirits at a low point.

Griezmann Details the Mental Struggles of a Difficult Campaign

Atletico Madrid’s all-time leading scorer did not mince words in a recent interview, candidly revealing the psychological toll last season’s downturn took on him. As March began, Diego Simeone’s side stood at the summit of the Spanish league, holding a slender lead over rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. With a crucial Champions League tie against their city neighbours on the horizon, hopes in the Atletico camp were high.

However, a string of defeats—starting with a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League first leg, followed by a league setback against Getafe and elimination in a dramatic penalty shootout—saw their ambitions unravel in just over two weeks. A further loss to Barcelona and a draw with Espanyol compounded their woes, leaving them out of Europe and nine points adrift in La Liga by the end of March.

“It was very tough for me mentally,” Griezmann admitted. “I had so much hope, so many dreams, and March wasn’t a good month for anyone. We lost La Liga and the Champions League. My spirits plummeted, it hurt me a lot mentally, and that affected my game later on.”

Pursuit of Milestones Amid Adversity

Despite his struggles, Griezmann managed to achieve the milestone of 200 goals for Atletico Madrid—a target that had previously motivated him. He confessed that the mental weight of the team’s collapse made individual records feel distant. “I wasn’t overwhelmed, but it felt like a long process, especially at the end of the season when I wasn’t focused on the 200th goal,” he explained. “When it finally came, the goals just flowed.”

Contract Renewal and Renewed Ambition at Atletico Madrid

Following his contract extension until 2027, Griezmann’s commitment to Atletico Madrid has only strengthened. With 203 goals in 461 appearances, he has already surpassed the legendary Luis Aragones in the club’s record books, but he is far from satisfied.

“I want more: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League with Atletico,” Griezmann declared. “I still have many minutes left to play, plenty of legs and mental strength, and I want to be even more important here. I know I have to prove that to everyone.”

His role has evolved under Simeone, with more frequent rotation and opportunities for younger teammates. Nevertheless, Griezmann views this as a chance to lead by example. “You always want to play, but I understand my responsibilities. I want to show the manager I’m ready and earn my place in the starting eleven.”

So far this season, Griezmann has featured in 12 La Liga matches, scoring four goals as Atletico Madrid seek redemption on multiple fronts.

Champions League Redemption Remains a Driving Force

A significant motivator for Griezmann is the desire to finally conquer the Champions League with Atletico—a trophy that has eluded him and the club. The pain of his penalty miss in the 2016 final against Real Madrid at San Siro still lingers. “The thorn of the penalty in Milan will remain until I win the Champions League with Atletico,” he admitted.

What’s Next for Griezmann and Atletico Madrid?

With his immediate focus set on Atletico, Griezmann aims to help the club compete for La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the elusive Champions League title. Despite speculation linking him with a future move to MLS—a goal he acknowledges—the French forward’s commitment to Atletico is unwavering for now.

As the season progresses, Griezmann’s blend of experience, determination, and resilience will be vital. Atletico Madrid’s passionate supporters will hope that his renewed spirit and leadership can inspire the squad to return to winning ways and erase the memories of last March’s heartbreak.

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Opinion: Griezmann’s Leadership Will Be Crucial for Atletico’s Fortunes

Griezmann’s honest reflection on last season’s struggles highlights the intense pressure elite athletes face. His willingness to persevere and lead by example, even as his role changes, shows true professionalism. If Atletico Madrid are to return to their best and chase major honours, Griezmann’s experience and mental strength will be indispensable. His story is a testament to resilience—and may yet have a triumphant new chapter.