Antoine Griezmann didn’t think he’d be an Atletico Madrid player right now. Last summer the Frenchman gave so many hints he’d be leaving, with Manchester United the likeliest destination, that it all felt like a matter of time.
Going on TV and making it clear he thought there was a good chance of a move to Old Trafford, Griezmann ran the risk of upsetting Atletico’s fanbase, but he didn’t seem overly concerned.
Then came the development which had largely gone unexpected, Atletico failed to have their transfer ban reduced. Griezmann fell on his transfer sword, agreed to stay and was rewarded with a pay rise. That extra money saw the player’s release clause increased to €200m for last summer but it goes back down to €100m in the next summer window.
Manchester United moved on to other targets.
El Confidencial have a feature on Griezmann’s subsequent subpar season, and Atletico fans not backing him like they used to. On the Manchester United plan, El Confidencial say “He said it elegantly, but he said it” and there’s clearly no taking that back.
Griezmann made his desire for a move to Manchester clear, and that can’t be erased.
The Spanish media outlet states ‘United’s bid was too good to pass up. Lots of money, greater competitive ambitions and a good place to truly grow as one of the greatest on the planet. Mourinho was going to give him the rudder of the red devils.’
No matter Griezmann’s show of loyalty in staying, and no matter his attempts to get fans onside, they know he was eyeing up Old Trafford and for many it’s just too hard to back the player like they used to.
El Confidencial say ‘They do not forgive him for wanting to go’, and whilst great performances would surely help that, Griezmann has been short of those.
