Antoine Griezmann says he could never celebrate a goal against Real Sociedad after a subdued reaction to his stunning solo effort in Atletico Madrid's 2-0 Liga win at the Anoeta.
The France international returned to his former club in style, surging majestically through the Sociedad defence to produce a chipped finish in the ninth minute.
"I can never celebrate a goal against the club that gave me everything," the forward told television reporters.
Hosts Sociedad caused some late incidents after Griezmann's withdrawal, as Diego Reyes and Jonathas both talked themselves into red cards either side of Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco sealing the points with his first goal for Atleti in an ill-tempered affair.
"We knew it would be a difficult game because they are strong at the Anoeta," Griezmann said.
"We knew we would have few chances to score and that we would have to take them when they arrived."
"Every player wants to play a match every three days because that's good – it means that you play European competitions," he added.
