Antoine Griezmann might have endured an unceremonious exit from Atletico Madrid, but the attacker insists that his former club will forever remain in his heart.
After a prolonged transfer saga, the Frenchman secured his move to Barcelona. His Camp Nou transfer was made official last Friday and since then, his switch has turned into a debacle.
The Blaugrana and Los Rojiblancos are at loggerheads as his former employers are pursuing a higher fee for the World Cup winner as they believe the tranfer was agreed before his $135M release clause kicked in. Regardless, Griezmann was quick to praise Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone during his presentation.
"I would like to thank Real Sociedad who gave me my first professional contract," the 28-year-old said (as per Marca).
"I would like to thank Enrique Cerezo, Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid and all my teammates that helped me become the player I've become for my club and country.
"It's always hard to leave a place, a home, where you feel comfortable, and where you have family, friends, and colleagues.
"I only have admiration and respect or that club. I gave everything on the field from beginning to the end."
The Frenchman admitted that he has his eyes set on winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League with his new club. He also opened up about his thoughts on being team-mates with the legendary Lionel Messi. Surprise, surprise: Griezmann is excited about it.
What makes me happiest is being able to share some maté with him [Messi]," Antoine added.
"It's going to be a great joy to be by his side."All players in the squad are important, we want to have the best players at the club and to compete against each other."
The player was handed the number 17 jersey and has already joined up with the Catalan giants ahead of his debut. He alongside Frenkie de Jong have enjoyed their first training session under Valverde.
