Atletico Madrid's Griezmann Absence Sparks Ire from Hong Kong Fans

Taking their pre-season preparations global ahead of the 2024-25 season, Atletico Madrid will lock horns with Hong Kong outfit Kitchee at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday night. However, the match has been overshadowed by the absence of star player Antoine Griezmann, sparking anger and frustration among Hong Kong fans.

Griezmann, who was expected to be a key draw for the match, is not part of the Atletico squad that traveled to Hong Kong, leaving fans feeling misled by organizers who had heavily promoted his participation.

The news of Griezmann's absence was met with disappointment and criticism on social media, with many fans expressing their frustration on Kitchee's Instagram post announcing the squad list. One comment read, "It's a false promotion, and the organizer should refund [us]".

Others pointed out that, despite the absence of Griezmann, the lineup is still strong, and tickets for the match are not expensive. Nevertheless, the initial excitement surrounding the match has been dampened by the absence of the French star.

Kitchee, the organizers of the friendly, had previously stated that Atletico Madrid had promised Griezmann and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul would visit Hong Kong. However, it was later announced that Griezmann and goalkeeper Jan Oblak could not come to Hong Kong due to "medical reasons," while De Paul was on leave, as per his contract with Atletico.

In a video posted on Weibo, Griezmann explained that his absence was due to a special recovery plan designed to avoid injuries ahead of the new season. He also assured fans that the club would select three ticket holders to give away jerseys autographed by him.

Kitchee owner Ken Ng Kin addressed the controversy at a press conference on Monday, stating that Atletico Madrid "actively looked for solutions in the absence of players and those players did not pretend to be injured." He also expressed gratitude to Atletico Madrid for donating US$150,000 (HK$1.17 million) to the Hong Kong Premier League Committee Youth Development Fund.

The friendly match was advertised as an "M" Mark event, with the website implying that Atletico Madrid would bring world-class players, including Griezmann and De Paul, to the city. However, the website also stated that the final list of players for the tour was still to be announced.

Wilfred Ng Sau-kei, chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee, attempted to downplay the situation, drawing a distinction between this case and the Lionel Messi situation in February. He argued that the selling point of Inter Miami's game was Messi, while the game with Atletico Madrid features the whole team, with over 80 percent of its main players having arrived in Hong Kong. He claimed that this situation aligns with the contract.

Lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun acknowledged that the situation is not as serious as the Messi case but urged organizers to set terms in future contracts requiring star players to interact with fans if they cannot play and allow refunds within a limited time.

Despite the controversy, the 18-man Atletico Madrid squad arrived in Hong Kong on Monday and engaged in a training session in Sha Tin before enjoying a tram tour with fans on Tuesday. The match against Kitchee is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday.

The incident highlights the importance of transparency and clear communication in sports events, particularly when star players are involved. It also serves as a reminder that fans, who often invest significant time and money in attending these events, deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.

Atletico Madrid's Global Pre-Season Tour: A Significant Step Forward

While the absence of Griezmann has cast a shadow over the match, it is important to acknowledge the larger picture: Atletico Madrid's decision to travel to Hong Kong for a pre-season friendly is a significant step forward for the club.

Atletico Madrid's visit to Hong Kong marks the first time an elite European side has played a match in the city since Manchester City in 2019, showcasing the growing appeal of the sport in the region. The club's commitment to global expansion is evident in their decision to undertake this tour, which includes matches in both Hong Kong and Sweden.

Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid's manager, emphasized the importance of this trip, stating that it is a "big step forward for Atletico Madrid, to grow the club." He highlighted the significance of the match as a vital part of the team's preparations for the upcoming season.

Simeone's comments underline the strategic importance of pre-season tours for top-tier clubs. These tours not only allow players to gain match fitness and test their strategies but also serve as a platform to engage with fans worldwide, cultivate new markets, and strengthen brand awareness.

Atletico Madrid's commitment to global expansion is further underscored by their donation of HK$1 million (US$128,000) to the Hong Kong Premier League Committee Youth Development Fund. This generous contribution demonstrates their dedication to supporting football development in the region, fostering a lasting legacy that extends beyond the confines of the pitch.

Atletico Madrid: A Giant on the Global Stage

Atletico Madrid's global reach extends far beyond their pre-season tour. As one of the most successful clubs in European football, the Colchoneros boast a rich history of success and a passionate fan base that spans the globe.

The club's trophy cabinet is adorned with seven continental honours, including three Uefa Europa League titles and two Uefa Super Cup titles. Their most prestigious accomplishment, however, is their runner-up finish in the Uefa Champions League on three occasions. They have also won 11 La Liga titles, placing them behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Spanish league's all-time standings.

Beyond their on-field accomplishments, Atletico Madrid has garnered a reputation for their strong identity and commitment to their values. The club's commitment to youth development, community engagement, and ethical practices has earned them widespread respect and admiration across the world. Their dedication to nurturing young talent and developing their academy has resulted in the emergence of numerous world-class players, including the likes of Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, and Koke.

Atletico Madrid's dedication to social responsibility is also evident in their partnerships with organizations focused on combating social issues like poverty, discrimination, and climate change. Their efforts to promote social inclusion and equality have made them a role model for other clubs worldwide.

The Future of Atletico Madrid: A New Era of Success?

With a new season on the horizon, Atletico Madrid are poised to continue their journey of success and global dominance. The club has strengthened its squad with the arrival of Spain's Euro 2024-winning central defender Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth, who finished as the second-top goal scorer in La Liga last season with 23 goals.

The Rojiblancos are also expected to complete a big-money deal for Copa America winner Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, adding further firepower to their attacking ranks. However, the future of record signing Joao Felix remains uncertain, with the Portugal forward's time at the club potentially coming to an end.

Despite the departures of key players like Morata and potentially Felix, Atletico Madrid's commitment to their core values of hard work, discipline, and resilience remains unwavering. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, the club is determined to challenge for silverware both domestically and on the European stage, cementing their status as a global powerhouse in the world of football.