‘Griezmann hard to replace but Atletico go on without him’

MADRID: Diego Simeone admitted on Friday it will be very difficult to replace Antoine Griezmann after the striker said he wants to leave Atletico Madrid.

Griezmann announced publicly on Tuesday that he wants a new challenge following five years at Atletico, where he won a Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. The 28-year-old’s departure will be a major blow to the club, who have already lost Lucas Hernandez to Bayern Munich and face a fight to hang on to several other key players this summer.

Asked who could replace Griezmann, a smiling Simeone said at a press conference on Friday: “Someone who plays very well in three quarters of the pitch, scores 20 goals a year and is cheap. It is very difficult.”

Griezmann informed Atletico of his decision in a meeting with Simeone, chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and sporting director Andrea Berta.

After scoring 129 goals in 256 games for Atletico, the Frenchman is set to make his last appearance away at Levante in La Liga on Saturday (today). “First of all I am grateful to him as a footballer, to the player we’ve had these five years and what he has given us,” Simeone said.

“We cannot judge his decision, he came in one way and takes a step now towards another goal and we have helped him grow in that time. “He is one of the top scorers in the history of Atleti after five wonderful years. I am grateful because he has given us everything and I do not judge anything or anyone.”