Morata: Atletico respect Griezmann - but we can't lose Simeone

Alvaro Morata has no grudge against Antoine Griezmann for wanting to leave Atletico Madrid, but worries about Diego Simeone's future.

Published : May 27, 2019 21:46 IST

Alvaro Morata says Atletico Madrid must respect Antoine Griezmann's wishes to leave the club, adding that Diego Simeone's exit would be a greater cause for concern.

Griezmann caused a stir this month when he confirmed he wants to quit the Wanda Metropolitano, his announcement coming less than a year after signing a new long-term contract following a much-publicised decision to ignore interest from Barcelona.

The Catalans have again been linked with a move for the France international, as have Manchester United, and Morata thinks a player who has contributed to Atletico as Griezmann has deserves support.

READ | Diego Simeone reaffirms Atletico commitment ahead of rebuild

"If you're inside the dressing room, you know it's a possibility [he will leave]," he told Marca .

"The only thing to do is to respect him. He's been one of the best in the club's history; he's given so much to Atletico. We have to support him.

"He's treated me very well. We wish him well, as long as he doesn't play against Atletico, of course."

However, Morata thinks it would be a far bigger loss if Atlet's head coach opts to leave the club.

Simeone has propelled the club into the highest bracket of European teams since taking over in 2011, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa de Espana, two UEFA Super Cups and two Europa Leagues, while also twice reaching the Champions League final.

"It would be very difficult to understand Atletico without Simeone," said Morata. "There have been a lot of players, but Atletico always fight since Cholo came.

"He'd be a great loss. Simeone is Atletico. You can't imagine them without him."

Morata is also disappointed to see defensive stalwarts Diego Godin and Juanfran leaving, saying he will not forget their support after the 3-0 loss to Juventus in Turin this season to crash out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage.

"Atletico are losing two legends on the pitch, two leaders," said the striker, who is on loan from Chelsea. "They've helped me a lot. I wish I could have played with them more.

"I've experienced difficult times, like in Turin, and that's where the character of great people, of champions comes through."

READ | Godin has earned his place among Atletico Madrid greats - Simeone

Atleti finished 11 points behind champion Barca in this season's LaLiga title race, although it was eight points clear of Real Madrid in third.

Morata admits Barca, inspired by Lionel Messi, was simply too strong this term - but he does not think Spain's top flight has become one-sided.

"We hope we'll become a competitive team," he said. "We've not had luck and we know you need that for the Champions League or to win LaLiga. It's small details. It's not like Italy or France, where it's won by a lot of points.

"It's true Barcelona have been very good, with a player who has been at a level that is not normal among humans."

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