As transfer sagas go, the one involving Manchester United and Antoine Griezmann last summer was pretty spectacular.
Involving math equations and watch adverts with him ghosting a phone call from “José Mourinho”, the Frenchman’s holidays were filled with speculation, eventually deciding to stay at Atlético Madrid because of their transfer ban.
Struggling throughout the first half of the season, Griezmann has since the new year found his shooting boots again, putting four past Leganes on Wednesday night in a 4-0 win for his side.
Finally regaining some of the respect from his fans, the 26-year-old took some time out after the game, relayed by L’Equipe, to express his happiness and thanks the supporters for still believing in him.
He said: “I want to make the most of this great football moment and help the fans enjoy themselves. I’m happy about this cheering and I admit that I might have made some mistakes.
“I said some things that I shouldn’t have (about a possible transfer to Manchester United) and I regret to have asked the fans to shut up a few weeks ago regarding something I did they didn’t like”.
The “(about a possible transfer to Manchester United)” was added by L’Equipe, referring to the “6/10” comments he made on TV show around the time talk about the Red Devils triggering his €100m release clause was rife.
Now €200m until the summer, when it drops back down to its original value, there’s every chance a big club (either Barcelona or José Mourinho’s side) will come knocking come the end of the season.
With no transfer ban to guilt trip him into staying at Atlético, these could very well end up being his last few months in Madrid.
