Diego Simeone says Antoine Griezmann is staying at Atletico Madrid until the end of 2025-26, even though a move to Orlando City SC is agreed, and calls the forward “one of the most important players I have ever had” as Atletico prepare to face Barcelona in the Champions League.

Griezmann is due to join MLS side Orlando City SC when the current campaign finishes, after a deal was reached during the international break, but Atletico still rely on the 35-year-old, who has scored 211 goals in 489 games and stands as the club’s all-time leading scorer.

The Champions League quarter-final first leg brings Griezmann up against former club Barcelona, and Simeone explains how the forward adapted tactically at Atletico, saying, “He spent three difficult months to understand where he was. We started talking about how he could play more inside.”

Simeone gives a detailed account of Griezmann’s influence on and off the pitch, highlighting the fitness levels that still impress the coach, stating, “He is in brutal physical condition. I consider him to be one of the most important players I have ever had. We have talked a lot.”

The Atletico coach stresses the personal connection with Griezmann, insisting that the relationship extends beyond tactics, adding, “I have always given him my opinion as a coach and as a person who loves him. I am his coach, and I have always sought to help him because he has returned that affection.”

Asked whether Griezmann is the best player managed during Simeone’s long Atletico spell, the answer comes with a joke and more appreciation, as Simeone responds, “Several are going to get jealous,” before continuing, “I’m grateful to have a player like him. He told me what he felt, and I understood.”

Diego Simeone and Antoine Griezmann central to Atletico form and Champions League record

Atletico enter the European tie after losing 2-1 to Barcelona in LaLiga, surrendering a 1-0 advantage and finishing with 10 players when Nico Gonzalez receives a red card, but the Champions League history between these clubs offers Atletico encouragement ahead of another knockout meeting.

Simeone’s team have lost only one of their last four Champions League games against Barcelona, with two wins and one draw, and Atletico removed the Catalan side in both earlier knockout contests, winning 2-1 on aggregate in 2013-14 and 3-2 on aggregate in 2015-16.

Diego Simeone and Antoine Griezmann challenged by Atletico away form and Oblak injury

Despite those previous successes, Atletico struggle away from home in recent Champions League knockout rounds, failing to win any of their last six such away fixtures, drawing once and losing five, with the last away victory coming 1-0 at Old Trafford against Manchester United in March 2022.

Simeone expects a demanding night at Camp Nou and outlines the task, explaining, “An important rival at an important moment in the competition. The Champions League is always complex. We know Barcelona’s ability and how strong they are at home. We are here to compete and play a game where we believe we can hurt them.”

Atletico travel without first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who is still recovering from injury, so Juan Musso continues in goal, and Simeone clarifies the situation, saying, “He is better and working well. I understood that he was not 100%, and in this case, it is better for Musso to continue. Let’s hope that for the next game we can have him in good condition.”

With Griezmann committed to finishing the season at Atletico before leaving for Orlando City SC, and Simeone managing injury issues and away form concerns, the quarter-final against Barcelona becomes another major test of their long-running partnership and of Atletico’s ability to deliver in decisive European matches.