Simeone: I love Griezmann a lot, I have a great relationship with him and his family Atletico Madrid Not bitter about the forward's exit

Antoine Griezmann may have left Atletico Madrid this summer to join a direct rival, but Diego Simeone isn't angry at the player.

While some fans are furious with the Frenchman, the Argentine is grateful for his five years of service.

"I really value what Griezmann did in his five years with us," Simeone told TyC Sports.

"This is an important moment in his career and he is going to an extraordinary club in Barcelona.

"I spoke a lot with him and I am grateful for those who have played with us.

"When he arrived he played out wide and he came for 25 million euros.

"I told him he had to play in the middle and score more, which he understood and which he did.

"As a coach, I am happy with how he did.

"I love him a lot.

"I have a great relationship with him and his family.

"If he keeps up his rhythm then he'll have a good season this year."

Simeone went on to speak about Argentina and the possibility of coaching the national team.

"From an emotional point of view, I'd like to coach the Argentina national team, but there are other situations that I analyse and value," he explained.

"I'm not the national team coach because I'm at a place where I feel happy.

"My father asked me to take over the national team, but I think the Argentine FA took a good decision after the Copa America, where the team got better in the knockout rounds.

"This opportunity for [Lionel] Scaloni could lead to further evolution."