Diego Simeone has applauded the efforts of the youngsters involved during Atletico Madrid's 2-2 draw with Levante on the final day of the LaLiga Santander season.
Sergio Camello was one of three recent academy graduates to have game time and scored the important equaliser with 10 minutes to go.
"In the first half, we were losing 2-0," Simeone said. "Angel [Correa] was sent off. Two errors. Then the whole team bounced back, ending in a goal scored by one of the academy boys. New blood.
"We have to recognise the work done by the gladiators that are leaving. Their best legacy isn't trophies. It's the commitment, the respect of everyone. The [academy] boys are seeing that you can't just choose games, you have to earn them."
Camello, 18, impressed after coming on for Thomas Partey at half time and Simeone praised the youth setup.
"It's clear that the growth of many players, not just Camello, is important," he said. "The younger age groups are fighting very well, as is the B team. There is not age in football.
"There are people with talent, commitment, excitement and people that want to be here. We won't waste what we see."
The match saw Diego Godin, Antoine Griezmann, Juanfran and Filipe Luis make their final appearances for Atletico Madrid.
"We are proud of the boys that have left the club because they've given so much," Simeone went on. "The most important thing that Filipe, Godin, Griezmann and co. have left is the respect for the matches and the sport. They are boys that have given us so much."