Lionel Messi’s move to Miami has only increased Antoine Griezmann’s soft spot for the United States and sport across the pond. The 32-year-old Frenchman, who was probably the outstanding player in La Liga last season, especially after the winter break, also wants to play in Major League Soccer in the future.
“I’ve always said it,” gushed the Atletico Madrid top man in a digital media roundup organized by La Liga and ESPN. “My goal is to end up there, enjoy American sport, play in MLS and have a good time.”
Switch “At the best level”.
Griezmann also wants to “win things” in North America – and at his “best level”. As a 32-year-old, he will know that the best level will eventually come to an end. Whereby: Superstar Messi, already with 36 years on the mileage, has unwound one gala performance after the other since his move to Inter Miami in the late autumn of his career and literally hits at will.
Griezmann looks straight at his former team-mate at FC Barcelona: “I follow him. Leo is the best in history, he fills the stadiums, scores a lot of goals and wins the games.” The MLS took very good steps with the Messi transfer and the subsequent commitments of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. “That – and signing younger players, especially from South America – is the best thing the league can do,” said Griezmann.
First win titles with Atletico
However, Atleti fans do not have to worry that the Frenchman could change this summer. Because “Grizi” still has a lot planned in the red and white striped dress. “I want to improve, score goals, be important, win the league and fight for the Champions League,” he said. “You have all these goals and for me personally it’s about improving compared to last year and scoring 16 or 17 goals (last season there were 15 goals and league-best 16 assists, editor’s note.), which would make me the club’s top goalscorer. That’s something that excites me.” Griezmann has snapped 112 times for Atletico so far, club legend Luis Aragones has 123 Atletico goals in La Liga.
Saudi Arabia would have to endorse the family
Would Saudi Arabia also inspire? Griezmann kept a low profile on this much-discussed topic. Although the very high salary payments could “give security”, “if it happened to me, I would have to talk to my family and my children about it”. Messi did that too – and then chose Miami.
