Derrick Rose has officially stepped away from basketball. Since the announcement, just two days ago, accolades have flooded in to celebrate the electrifying career of the former MVP. Fans and celebrities alike have rushed to congratulate the 35-year-old for his 16 years of NBA glory. Through injuries and challenges, D-Rose has etched his name among this generation’s icons. Among the many honoring him is his lifelong fan, soccer player Antoine Griezmann, who joins the celebration of the ex-Knicks star’s remarkable journey.

The Atletico Madrid star reposted D-Rose’s retirement announcement on X, captioning it, “I love Derrick Rose.” This simple message has sparked a hilarious blast from the past. Fans are now reminiscing about the memorable moments from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. In France’s famous win against Croatia, Griezmann led his country to its second title. Throughout the game, the French side had the upper hand. However, Domagoj Vida scored the first goal of the evening, tilting the match in favor of Luka Modric’s side. But in no time, Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring portal for his team and there was no turning back.

One after the other, the French players continued with their lethal attacks. The match that ended in a 4-2 scoreline, left Croatia devastated while France rejoiced in the air of victory. After the win, English-language media interviewed French star Paul Pogba. On noticing this, Griezmann intervened and this is when he first expressed his love for the ex-Memphis Grizzlies icon Derrick Rose.  However, they required Antoine to speak in English no matter what. So, he clinched his moment, grabbed the mic, and confessed: “I love Derrick Rose.” This honest expression of love had left the reporters and Pogba in awe and laughter!

Six years down the line and nothing much has changed. Antoine Griezmann is still in love with D-Rose. However, the NBA hooper who was transitioning from the Cavs to the Wolves in 2018 has now hung his boots. Sixteen years, three-time NBA All-Star, and the youngest-ever MVP of the league, Derrick Rose is an icon and a legend, to say the least. He has given us moments that will always be engraved in our hearts and minds for years to come.

Antoine Griezmann is a legitimate fan of Derrick Rose

With the NBA’s footprint around the globe, many soccer icons have turned into basketball fans. Paul Pogba and Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are close friends with 76ers star Joel Embiid. Meanwhile, Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. and former Heat player Jimmy Butler’s friendship is world-renowned. However, for as long as Antoine Griezmann has been around on social media, since 2012, he has expressed his enthusiasm for the NBA. Moreover, his love for Derrick Rose has also been an open secret for the fans.

D-Rose has always been the French forward’s favorite. In 2013, Griezmann tweeted that he considered Derrick Rose his No. 1 idol. The following few seasons at the NBA had been a major setback for Derrick Rose, with an ACL tear and a meniscus injury—one after the other, the icon found himself benched for the entirety of two consecutive seasons. Nonetheless, Rose’s injury-ridden stint couldn’t sway Griezmann’s enthusiasm for the hooper or the sport.

The two had an opportunity to meet in 2016 when Derrick Rose was making headlines for the New York Knicks.  Griezmann, wearing a Rose jersey, explained that he was a Knicks fan because Rose was his favorite player. The two sporting icons also exchanged their jerseys and gave a moment of a lifetime to fans. Antoine Griezmann was even willing to leave his La Liga club if he got to play with Derrick Rose—such is the love of the soccer giant for the basketball giant.

As the Windy City Assassin steps away from the NBA, Antoine Griezmann finds himself at a crossroads. With his idol no longer on the court, the French star may reflect on his fandom and consider how to channel his admiration for sports into new inspirations. Well, it wouldn’t be surprising, to be honest. Witnessing two sporting worlds merge in respect and camaraderie is always special, and Griezmann and D-Rose have consistently delivered that.