Griezmann owed it to coach Simeone to win Europa League
LYON, France — Striker Antoine Griezmann figured he owed it to coach Diego Simeone to win the Europa League with Atletico Madrid.
He did so in style, scoring two expertly-taken goals as Atletico won the trophy for the third time with a 3-0 victory against Marseille in Wednesday’s final.
Griezmann’s decisive contribution helped erase bitter memories of 2016, when he missed a second-half penalty in Atletico’s Champions League final loss to Real Madrid.
“It was a dream of mine to win this trophy with my teammates and with Simeone,” the France forward said. “Simeone has taught me a lot. He’s made me into a better player and one of the best in the world. I hope I can continue to win more trophies.”
Maybe not with
His goals might end up being the parting gift, considering Griezmann has been increasingly linked with a move to Barcelona.
“I don’t think it’s the time to talk about my future,” Griezmann said. “I want to enjoy the moment. Atletico. I want to enjoy this with the fans.”
Marseille’s fans made the three-hour road trip home regretting what might have been if striker Valere Germain had converted a third-minute chance.
“We missed our chance. You can’t fall behind against a team like Atletico,” Marseille coach Rudi Garcia said. “In the second half they raised their level and the best team won.”
Marseille was going for a second European trophy, 25 years after winning the Champions League, but ultimately had no answer to Griezmann’s mobility and finishing. Captain Gabi capped off Atletico’s victory with a fine finish in the last minute after being set up by Koke.
“It’s about more than a trophy,” Simeone said. “It represents the value of hard work, a steady hand and consistency, values to be successful in life.”
Several Marseille players were in tears at fulltime, undone by a player who was rejected by several French clubs as a youth because of his diminutive stature.
“This is a reward for me after I left home aged 14, for all the work I have put in, the suffering,”