Lucas Hernandez has revealed that Antoine Griezmann decided to snub Barcelona a month ago as the French forward opted of being in Lionel Messi’s shadow.
Antoine Griezmann decided to put an end to the transfer rumours but revealing he would be playing in the Spanish capital the next season. France left back Lucas Hernandez, who also plays for the Rojiblancos revealed that the 27-year-old had made up his mind about a month ago regarding the potential move to Barcelona.
“I believe Griezmann made his choice a month ago. The video only came recently but that [situation] wasn’t in his head. He’s only thinking about the World Cup and is 100 per cent focused on that,” he said.
The Atletico fullback also revealed Griezmann’s wife was in favour of him staying.“I think like his wife said in an interview: ‘At Atletico, you can be a star. At Barcelona, you will only be a player’. She said what is most essential, that’s the truth. Here, at Atletico, he can be the idol of everyone, of every fan.”
He also stressed the fact the Griezmann would be the main man which wouldn’t be the case in Barcelona.“If he would have gone to Barcelona, there are a lot of great players and the best player in the world as well. He would have been in the shadow of some great players like Messi, Iniesta or even Xavi before. If he would have moved to Barcelona, it would have only been one more player in the team. Here, at Atletico, he is the player, our best player, our leader. He will make the difference.”
The French superstar has been the key cog in the Atletico machine which conquered the Europa league last season. Diego Simeone’s side also finished above Real Madrid in second in the Spanish league. After convincing him to stay, the club can now aim for the Champions League finals which is to be held in their home ground in May 2019.
Griezmann’s key stats last season
- Goals – 29
- Assists – 13
- Shots per game – 2.6
- Key passes per game – 1.3
- Dribbles per game – 0.9
- Tackles per game – 1.1
- Interceptions per game – 0.4
Author’s take-
With Barcelona and Real Madrid set to strengthen their squad, Griezmann staying might just be the boost Atletico fans needed. The striker has been crucial to the Madrid based club as he was in their Europa League triumph. His versatility also allows Diego Simeone to easily swap systems to influence games. Neutrals will be hoping that El Pupas can spring another season reminiscent to the 2013-14 one out of the bag.
