Atletio coach Diego Simeone has revealed on Tuesday that Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann gave everything to the French national team, adding that international retirement will allow him to perform at an even better level for the club.
This statement follows Griezmann retirement from Les Bleus which the French international announced last month after being their most important player for a decade, helping them win the 2018 World Cup and finish as runners-up in 2022.
Despite Griezmann's significant role in the French team, Kylian Mbappe took the captain's armband before him. Mbappe was heckled during Real Madrid's shocking 1-0 Champions League loss to Lille earlier this month for not playing during the international break.
Meanwhile, Atletico are to host French side Lille on Wednesday, following a humiliating 4-0 loss at Benfica in their last Champions League game and a 2-1 home win against German side RB Leipzig in their opener.
Speaking in a news conference, Simeone said: "I believe Antoine has given all his talent, his game, and leadership to France. He has won titles, developed a playing style that has progressed (the French team), and gave it all for his country until the day he retired as a standout player."
"The same has happened with us, and he is an extremely important player for us. He won’t have these national games that usually add significant strain to his legs after so much playing time, and we hope we can continue to enjoy all the potential he has."
However, Atletico Madrid has scored two goals in their last two Champions League games, despite bolstering their attack with midfielder Conor Gallagher, forwards Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez and in the close season.
Speaking on the former Manchester City player who has reportedly netted a total of three goals in 12 appearances for Atletico, Simeone said: "Julian is improving every day, settling into the team and the new city."
"He's starting to show all the unique qualities he possesses. I have no doubt that he will make a difference."
Moving on, Atletico Madrid will be without defender Robin Le Normand, who suffered a traumatic brain injury during their 1-1 draw in the Madrid derby last month as well as midfielders Pablo Barrios, Marcos Llorente and defender Clement Lenglet.
Meanwhile, Atleti has decided not to sell tickets to some of their supporters for their next five away games in all competitions after sanctions from UEFA and the Spanish football federation (RFEF), which includes their next Champions League fixtures at Paris St Germain and Sparta Prague.
