Gameiro: A bittersweet Atlético Legacy
Kevin Gameiro, after announcing his retirement from football at the age of 37, has left an indelible mark on teams such as Sevilla and Valencia, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2019. His time at Atlético de Madrid, although brief, was part of a distinguished career.
The French striker arrived at the Metropolitano with the mission of strengthening the rojiblanco attack, after Jackson Martínez’s departure. Despite winning the Europa League in 2018, Gameiro failed to fully establish himself in Simeone’s scheme.
With 27 goals in 82 games, his stay at the club lasted two seasons. Gameiro himself acknowledged the tactical demands imposed by the ‘Cholo’, highlighting the difficulty for a striker to play so far from the opponent’s goal and the strong competition with Diego Costa for a place in the starting eleven.
In recent statements, Gameiro positively valued Simeone’s figure, although he admitted that his style of play represented a challenge for the forwards. The former player also revealed that he had rejected an offer from FC Barcelona, prioritizing the opportunity to be a protagonist in another team. Gameiro ended his career at Strasbourg, leaving behind a legacy of effort and professionalism that the Atléticos will always remember.
