Antoine Griezmann Opens Up On Atletico’s Collapse And His Renewed Hunger For More Glory

Griezmann Gets Honest: A Season That Broke Him — And Built Him Back

When a club collapses in two major competitions within two weeks, the world sees the scoreline.
But the players? They feel the weight.

Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid’s all-time top scorer and one of football’s most resilient stars, has revealed just how mentally draining last season’s sudden downturn was. In a candid interview with AS, he admitted that his “spirits plummeted” during a brutal month that saw Atletico slip out of the Champions League and fall behind in the La Liga title race.

At the start of March, Atletico were top of the table and gearing up for a blockbuster Champions League tie against Real Madrid. By the end of the month?
Out of Europe.
Nine points behind Barcelona.
Confidence shaken.

For Griezmann, the psychological impact was heavy.

“It was very tough for me mentally… We lost La Liga and the Champions League. My spirits plummeted, and that affected my game.”

When someone as mentally tough as Griezmann admits he struggled, you know the storm was real.

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Chasing 200 Goals? He Couldn’t Even Focus On It

While the football world tracked his race to the 200-goal milestone, Griezmann revealed he wasn’t even thinking about it.
The mental fog was too thick.

He eventually reached the mark — now sitting at 203 goals in 461 games — but said it “felt like a long process” because his mind was elsewhere.

This is the part fans rarely see: the emotional toll behind the statistics.

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A New Contract… And A New Fire

Despite the heartbreak, the French star isn’t slowing down.
With a fresh contract running until 2027, Griezmann is more motivated than ever.

“I want more: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League with Atletico.”

He believes he still has the legs, the experience, and — most importantly — the mental strength to keep delivering at the highest level.

Even with more rotation this season, he remains focused and professional, ready to fight for every minute.

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The Champions League Demon He Wants To Finally Defeat

No Griezmann interview feels complete without mentioning the biggest thorn in his side:
The missed penalty in the 2016 Champions League final.

He admits it still haunts him.

Atletico lost the final in Milan to Real Madrid — and despite scoring in the shootout, the miss during regular play remains one of his biggest regrets.

“The thorn of the penalty in Milan will remain until I win the Champions League with Atletico.”

And honestly? You can’t help but respect the honesty.
And the hunger.

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What Comes Next For Griezmann?

At 34, many players start to fade out.
But Griezmann is writing a different script.

• 12 appearances this season

• 4 goals

• A renewed sense of purpose

• A club that still believes in him

• A legacy that keeps growing

Atletico’s future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear:
Griezmann isn’t done. Not even close.

And if he eventually lifts the Champions League trophy in red and white?
It might just be one of football’s greatest redemption arcs.

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