Atletico Madrid News
Griezmann opens up on Atletico Madrid move, winning over the fans in documentary
When Antoine Griezmann left Atletico Madrid for Barcelona in 2019, he left a sour taste in the mouth of several Rojiblanco fans. After all, he was a player who they considered their own and whose departure was seen as a betrayal.
When that happened fans outside Wanda Metropolitano vandalised the Frenchman’s plaque brutally and directed nasty chants toward him to show their anger toward the player.
Needless to say, many supporters were not in favour of his return on loan last year and called on the board to reject the move.
In the team’s documentary “Another Way of Living: Atletico de Madrid” released recently on Amazon Prime video, Griezmann can be seen acknowledging the same and giving his thoughts on winning back the support.
“I understand that some people [Atlético Madrid fans] are still not happy with my presence here and I try to work at 10,000% to turn that around, and I’m in the process of trying to make people fall in love with me again.”
Later in the documentary, he also explained the butterflies in his stomach when he completed his return to the Metropolitano and said that he could not sleep that night.
“From 10:00 PM until 12:00 AM, when the deal was sealed, I was in bed feeling every possible emotion. And finally, I screamed with joy at 12:01 AM. I was very happy.”
While he has been in good form this season, Griezmann finds himself in a complicated situation. Los Rojiblancos do not intend to activate the purchase clause on his loan and have been playing him only after the 60th minute to ensure that he does not meet the required time clause.
Barcelona are preparing legal action against the Madrid-based side, but Atletico are confident that they will come out on top in court.
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.
