Antoine Griezmann, who has been at the exit doors of Atletico Madrid numerous times before, has finally decided the summer of 2019 will be the year he will leave his home and join a new team in search of new adventures.
Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann (C) celebrates his goal during the friendly football match between Beitar Jerusalem and Atletico Madrid at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on May 21, 2019. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP) (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Antoine Griezmann, the 28-year old center-forward is widely considered to be one of the best strikers in the world, also one of the most valuable football players, and it would be hard to deny it looking at his achievements throughout his career. The 2018 World Champion, 2018/19 UEFA Supercup winner, 2017/18 Europa League champion, 2014/15 Spanish Super Cup winner and 2015/16 EURO 2016 top scorer, Griezmann has proven time and time again he is one of the best at what he does. While he enjoyed a rich and successful career at Atletico Madrid, a team he joined back in 2014, the reports of him leaving have been surfacing for a couple of years now.
Two years ago, Griezmann threatened to leave Atletico Madrid for Manchester United, however, the transfer ban made him stay put and remain at Atletico. One year ago, Griezmann reportedly wanted to leave for Barcelona, but the rumours proved to be false, as he released a statement when he said he will remain at his current club. However, this time, we can be certain Griezmann will leave the club. The decision was already announced by Atletico, who posted a video of Griezmann saying:
“It has been five incredible years, thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart.”
With plenty of clubs lining up to take Griezmann, including Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, it is believed his destination will be Barcelona, a team he had ties with Griezmann before. The Barcelona coach, Valverde admitted they have already made contact with Griezmann, who as it seems is coming closer and closer to his move to Blaugrana.
When asked about Griezmann and his possible move to Barcelona, Valverde stated:
“It is true that contacts are ongoing, but the season isn’t over yet. We have the Copa Del Rey final still to play.”
“We have the chance of winning two titles and we must try to focus on this issue.”
“Afterwards we will have time for everything else – we won’t say anything new when we are talking about players from other teams.”
“We will see. Griezmann is a great player. We’ve always said so.”
Despite all that, the most recent news speculates Manchester United could hijack Griezmann from Barcelona solely due to reported dissatisfaction among Barcelona players about the transfer. Reported by Spanish publication Sport, Griezmann is not liked among Barcelona’s players due to the way he conducted himself last summer. The players have already voiced their displeasure to president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who they hope will walk away from the transfer. In addition to that, there are also fans who feel the same way. If the reports are true it does make us wonder what kind of hostile environment will Griezmann need to walk into if he decides to join Barcelona.
With that in mind, Griezmann could easily end up in Manchester United who will be more than happy to bring the World champion to their ranks. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said is ready to sell Lukaku if the opportunity arises, so as it seems, everything is set for the Frenchman’s arrival.
With countless rumours surrounding Griezmann’s transfer, it all seems like we won’t know for sure where he will end up until summer, which thankfully is just around the corner.
