Atletico Madrid News
Griezmann opens up on game-time situation after helping Atletico Madrid beat Porto
Atletico Madrid pulled off a crucial win over FC Porto in the dying minutes of their first UEFA Champions League game of the season on Wednesday night.
After getting the lead in the 91st minute through Mario Hermoso, the Portuguese side pulled one back five minutes later through a penalty from Mateus Uribe. Eventually, Antoine Griezmann scored the winner for Diego Simeone’s side in the 101st minute.
The Frenchman has been in fine form this season when on the pitch. The problem for him, however, is that his playing time is restricted to 30 minutes per game or less because of a bizarre contractual situation.
When asked about his limited playing time after the game, Griezmann said: “It is what it is, it’s not in my hands. I’m just thankful that I’m here. My family is happy. Of course, I want more, but I will give my everything in the minutes that they give me.”
He then spoke about how Atletico Madrid was very dear to his heart and what a return to the club meant for him.
“So much happiness. As I said when I came back, I was going to give everything. The truth is that I’m very happy here. The only thing I want is to play here and to give everything for the club, for Cholo, and the fans.”
The forward’s loan deal from Barcelona has an obligatory purchase clause that will be triggered if he plays more than 45 minutes in 50% of the matches he is available for.
Los Rojiblancos do not intend to shell out €40 million for him and are therefore ensuring that he does not reach the 45-minute mark in any game. And even though he might not be playing as much as he wants, Griezmann is making the most of his minutes.
Source: Movistar Plus
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
