Goal-getting Griezmann learning from Simeone

Madrid (AFP) – Atletico Madrid’s Champions League goal hero Antoine Griezmann says he is learning every day from inspirational coach Diego Simeone.

Griezmann scored the vital goal as Atletico ousted Bayern Munich on away goals on Tuesday to book their place in a second Champions League final in three years against Real Madrid in Milan on May 28.

“Every day I learn from him and my teammates. I knew that I personally still could improve and that I was going to help the team,” Griezmann said on Thursday.

“The truth is this squad has a lot of quality. We still have plenty more to give and my objective was to fight for everything.”

Griezmann wasn’t part of the Atletico side that lost out 4-1 after extra time to Real in the final two years ago.

However, after a 31-goal season that has also kept Atletico well in the fight to win La Liga with two games remaining, he is relishing the chance to deliver on the biggest stage.

“It will be a great final. For me it is the first time and I will enjoy it as I always do,” he added.

Atletico are tied on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, but need the Catalans to slip up in one of their two remaining games due to Barca’s superior head-to-head record.

“Now we need to think about La Liga. That is what is important for us and then we will have time to think about the final.

“I don’t think the fans care who we got in the final, they are just happy and excited to be there.”