Atletico visited Besiktas in a friendly match whose proceeds went entirely to help the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The country showed its support for the 'Colchonero' club for the great gesture. Arda Turan expressed Turkey's gratitude for what the visit means.
Atletico lost 2-0 to Besiktas in Tuesday's match, but as Griezmann said after the game, the result was the least important thing. What really mattered was the club's visit to Turkey to help raise funds for those affected by the earthquakes.
Former Atletico player Arda Turan thanked his former club for their visit on 'NTV'. "It's a great club that showed respect to Besiktas and Turkey. We have to thank every single player," he said.
"They came with the starters, landed a few hours before the game in Istanbul and went back to Madrid after the game. It is not easy. Atletico showed their support for our country," he stressed.
Many Turks, like Arda Turan, wanted to thank Atletico for the gesture. Through social networks, numerous messages were sent to the red and white club thanking them for their visit. "You have won a lot of fans here," said one user in particular.
A sentiment shared by the 'Colchoneros'. Griezmann explained after the match that they went to the game "to do their bit, to try to give as much joy as possible, to give love" after these difficult moments.
"It was a very important thing, it was a pleasure to be here and they enjoyed it. At the end, they applauded us because it was a nice gesture on our part. The club have done some very good things by coming here. It has shown what Atlético is all about. I'm proud to be here," he closed.