The coach insists he still has fond feelings for his former striker and that staying at the club might have soured things
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone harbours no ill feelings towards Antoine Griezmann following his move to Barcelona, and is adamant it was better to leave when he did instead of staying and potentially ruining their relationship.
Simeone is overseeing a major rebuild at Atletico this close season, with Griezmann one of several key players to leave the club.
Filipe Luis, Diego Godin, Lucas Hernandez, Rodri and Juanfran have also left, with Atletico bringing in Felipe, Mario Hermoso, Hector Herrera, Renan Lodi, Marcos Llorente and Kieran Trippier as replacements, while Joao Felix is tasked with filling Griezmann's boots.