In spite of continuous interest in a transfer for Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann, his teammates and manager assure fans that the player is content with his current situation.
The transfer of Griezmann to Manchester United last summer was one of the main transfer stories making the rounds for almost the entire season. Despite the player not showing a tremendous interest in leaving his current club, it looked like United’s consistent pursuit may have been enough to secure the deal. However, Atletico was then hit with a transfer ban meaning they would not be able to replace the Frenchman with a player outside of their existing squad for the duration of the ban.
Griezmann showed his support towards the club and announced he could not consider departing the club in such an important time. Of course, many would expect that the deal could still happen once the ban is lifted. Teammate Juanfran says that transfers are a regular part of modern football, but that for the moment the forward is happy with his situation and giving his all in games and training.
“We are open to the market. It is getting a little crazy and any operation can affect you. Griezmann is happy at the Atleti and we want to give everything for the Atleti,” the player tells AS.
Manager Diego Simeone also talked about the fact that numerous high-profile teams seem to be targeting the forward for a transfer. The manager says that this is a testament to the club’s growing reputation and the player’s good individual performances. “I am not afraid that there is such interest. It gives me joy that the best teams in the world are interested in our players, that speaks well both of them and of us, of our work, and that gives me joy,” Simeone tells reporters.
Simeone himself has been linked to a departure from Atletico with the manager hinting towards this on a number of occasions. Things may have changed in the mean time and the manager says he is certain the team is making significant efforts to hold on to the most important people in the organization. “The club is making an important effort to keep important football players who are wanted by the best teams in the world. They want to stay at Atletico to continue paving the path that will help us continue growing as a club.”
