Antoine Griezmann| Signs a new contract till 2022

[midnightmare]

I didn't want him anyway as I feel we have other priorities. But after this fiasco and the character traits he has revealed I would not welcome him at Manchester United ever.

Fair to say then that the Real Madrid hierarchy are probably glad you weren't calling the shots when they were chasing Ronaldo. Ronaldo went from openly saying he wanted to play for them to saying "that dream is dead" once the transfer fell through and then promptly transferred the next summer with minimum fuss, before becoming perhaps the greatest player (and definitely the greatest goalscorer) to have played for the club.

Sentiments are fine for fans to have, but clubs are businesses and we need to look at him next season as if this summer hadn't happened. If we need him, we should go for him because that clause remaining the same does indicate that he's also keen on moving here, albeit a year later. Granted, I hope we win the lot this season and have such awesome players by then that we don't need him at all, but to be honest, I think that's hoping for way too much.

 

[bosnian_red]

Well he obviously cares enough to go grovelling back to Atletico fans...

Regarding Real, we shall see.

Yeah because its the club he plays for obviously? Why would he care about fans of a club he doesnt play for?

 

[Rhyme Animal]

I feel this thread is, and has been for a while, shit.

Griezmann has done the same contract dance that Ramos, Fabregas and others have done with us - it happens too often to be acceptable, and the club should start keeping their cards closer to their chest and getting more serious in the transfer window.

We're being mugged off by players and agents too regularly.

I'd say close this and lets start talking about transfers that are actually worth talking about.

 

[Camilo]

Sounds like he's done the decent thing. It's not a bad life his living, and he owes the team any potential move he makes. Doesn't mean he won't come in 12 months. People saying they wouldn't have him now are off their rocker. Shame, but fair enough.

 

[POF]

Reading between the lines, it seems pretty certain that he will leave next summer, although not necessarily to United.

I agree that United can't wait to add extra attacking quality until next summer but they don't necessarily have to add an identical type player. I don't think there is one good enough who is available anyway.

That would leave an opening for Griezmann next summer. For absolute elite players, sometimes you have to wait. Even Real did for Ronaldo.

 

[Noc-Z]

Fair to say then that the Real Madrid hierarchy are probably glad you weren't calling the shots when they were chasing Ronaldo. Ronaldo went from openly saying he wanted to play for them to saying "that dream is dead" once the transfer fell through and then promptly transferred the next summer with minimum fuss, before becoming perhaps the greatest player (and definitely the greatest goalscorer) to have played for the club.

Sentiments are fine for fans to have, but clubs are businesses and we need to look at him next season as if this summer hadn't happened. If we need him, we should go for him because that clause remaining the same does indicate that he's also keen on moving here, albeit a year later. Granted, I hope we win the lot this season and have such awesome players by then that we don't need him at all, but to be honest, I think that's hoping for way too much.

I understand your sentiment but whilst we are commercially successful, that is not reflected on the pitch at the moment so you can't think only as a business. For example, when Ferguson sold Beckham was that a business decision? I would say no, he was very marketable. In any case, I don't believe that we needed Griezmann anyway. We need wingers, a number 9, a defensive midfielder....but a number 10/second striker? - that's not a priority for me. Of course, I'm not the coach and maybe things will look different in future.

Basically, it looks like he toyed with us. I don't approve of how things panned out so I wouldn't sign him. I'd be happier signing someone I felt I could rely on and trust and his attitude does raise questions. To say that maybe people made a story that wasn't there? He said 6/10 on a move! It just gives me bad vibes.

 

[RAVred]

He's leaving next summer unless atletico win the league and/or the UCL. Not saying it will be us, but his clause is a bargain for his quality in today's market. I think if he doesn't come next summer it's more likely we don't want him anymore rather than him not wanting to come

 

[LawCharltonBest]

I think it's likely it's just a pay rise to keep him another season and then sell him in 12 months

Personally though I'd rather wash our hands of him. Plenty of brilliant players out there, I don't want to be waiting around for one that didn't have the fire in his gut to push through a move to United. If United wanted me, I'd move mountains to make it happen

 

[hellohello]

He's leaving next summer unless atletico win the league and/or the UCL. Not saying it will be us, but his clause is a bargain for his quality in today's market. I think if he doesn't come next summer it's more likely we don't want him anymore rather than him not wanting to come

If they pay him a contract similar to what other clubs can I don't see a reason why he would want to leave for any English club (unless he just want change for the sake of change). Atletico is among the best clubs in the world and have been for a long time, and although they are unlucky to be playing in the same league as Barca and Real they have a bigger chance of winning the CL than any English club.

 

[whatwha]

Bit disappointed that his release clause hasn't been lowered. Would you guys be comfortable with paying €100m for him when he's a year older?

 

[amolbhatia50k]

We should forget about him and the idea of signing him in the future as well. I'm not too fussed and I don't think people should be that harsh on him either. Things change. He was obviously pretty serious about leaving at one point but it's evident that Atletico means a lot to him and the transfer ban/other things changed circumstances.

He's a great player and one I'd love at United, but if we sign him at 27/28 I can see him as another who wouldn't offer us his best years. Also, he's not that exciting a player to watch so I'm not all that bothered to be honest, even though I think he's been phenomenal over the last 3-4 years.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Bit disappointed that his release clause hasn't been lowered. Would you guys be comfortable with paying €100m for him when he's a year older?

Not sure it would be worth the risk. If he adapts well it's a no brainer, but if he doesn't it would be a disaster with less time to maneuver/change things unlike signing a 23/24 year old Pogba. Also I'm not convinced that he suits Pogba either. The system at Atletico suits him brillaintly and better than anything we could offer.

 

[K2K]

Not sure it would be worth the risk. If he adapts well it's a no brainer, but if he doesn't it would be a disaster with less time to maneuver/change things unlike signing a 23/24 year old Pogba. Also I'm not convinced that he suits Pogba either. The system at Atletico suits him brillaintly and better than anything we could offer.

Another big worry of mine.

Deschamp had to fit them together by playing Pogba as a deep-lying midfielder, a position he didn't really excel in.

Pogba> Griezmann any day of the week for me.

 

[Adnandos]

His major offense was flirting with coming to us while knowing Atleti had an almost inevitable transfer ban coming up in 2 weeks time. He really comes across as thick in the head after this, but he obviously wants/wanted to play for us.

 

[lewwoo]

This boat has sailed. Hope we don't go chasing him next summer. Feck him.

 

[Stacks]

Agreed.
The other thing that I believe is that a player should WANT TO JOIN MAN UTD.
My feeling is that AG isn't too bothered.
So, if he joins us, whose to say he may not walk after 1 season, if he struggles?
I'd much rather have a lesser player who wants to fight for MUFC, than a Galactico who isn't bothered about our club.

Just depends on the mindset of the player. Sanchez left Barca for Arsenal and has been outstanding. Let down by lack of quality around him but delivered them silverware. Maybe Griezmann would've been similar

 

[MadDogg]

Basically, it looks like he toyed with us.

To who?

Every single person I know who is interested in football consider it a near certainty that he was coming to us until the Atletico transfer ban kicked in, and that he's just being loyal or sentimental to help them out in their time of need by sticking with them one more season. Seriously the only place I've heard people talking about him 'using us' or not being serious about moving is this place.

The way things went down it's obvious that all parties thought Atletico would get off without the ban. Griezmann said that the decision would be made within two weeks, and towards the end of those two weeks the announcement was made about the ban. Literally an hour or two after that announcement suddenly every journalist and their dog suddenly knows that it's not happening. If the ban hadn't happened he'd be ours by now. No ifs, no buts, no maybes.

 

[Arthur Friedenreich]

He's coming in the next window.

 

[Brophs]

His major offense was flirting with coming to us while knowing Atleti had an almost inevitable transfer ban coming up in 2 weeks time. He really comes across as thick in the head after this, but he obviously wants/wanted to play for us.

Isn't the more likely read that he was told by Atleti - based, you'd presume, on advices they'd gotten - that it was very unlikely that they'd face an immediate transfer ban. I mean, they agreed a deal with Lacazette and announced it. Why would they have done that otherwise?

 

[illReD]

Don't like him anyway. Such a shit attitude, not the kind of person we need here.

 

[Noc-Z]

To who?

Every single person I know who is interested in football consider it a near certainty that he was coming to us until the Atletico transfer ban kicked in, and that he's just being loyal or sentimental to help them out in their time of need by sticking with them one more season. Seriously the only place I've heard people talking about him 'using us' or not being serious about moving is this place.

The way things went down it's obvious that all parties thought Atletico would get off without the ban. Griezmann said that the decision would be made within two weeks, and towards the end of those two weeks the announcement was made about the ban. Literally an hour or two after that announcement suddenly every journalist and their dog suddenly knows that it's not happening. If the ban hadn't happened he'd be ours by now. No ifs, no buts, no maybes.

To me. He knew the ban was a very real possibility.

EDIT: And I feel the same way, as every single person you know. I think he would have come without the ban also. But you either want to play for Manchester United or you don't. Forget the ban. By staying he is supporting a team that is being punished for breaking the rules. And it's my prerogative to disapprove of that.

 

[Inter Yer Nan]

Good for him and nice for Atletico to not lose their best player. I think they will have a genuine shot at UCL glory if they have a bit more firepower coming in January. Showed good character from him too. Sure, he gets a pay rise and stays at a great team but he could have easily turned his back on them this summer and joined us for a much higher pay raise.

Think this is very much like the Suarez, Ronaldo deals. Pay rise, a thank you and an "agreement" of sorts and it will be wrapped up before the World Cup. But could easily see the agents and sponsors wanting to drag it out until a month after the World Cup like the Pogba saga. Fairly certain there's some kind of understanding in place. He's just got to keep his form up.

 

[RDCR07]

Don't like him anyway. Such a shit attitude, not the kind of person we need here.

 

[illReD]

You're welcome to add substance to your meaningless reply

 

[MadDogg]

EDIT: And I feel the same way, as every single person you know. I think he would have come without the ban also. But you either want to play for Manchester United or you don't. Forget the ban. By staying he is supporting a team that is being punished for breaking the rules. And it's my prerogative to disapprove of that.

It is. But I just find that entire attitude (not just you, plenty of others saying the same thing in here) very hypocritical.

We demand our players loyalty and love for us. We love them for it when they show it. But when a player from another team shows enough loyalty to his current club to 'sacrifice' a year to help them out when they are in trouble...I hate that it's hurt our plans, but I can't help but respect him for it. There's no doubt that he does have a desire to play for us, but he also has showed loyalty to his current club and their fans.

Yes, his club did make the mistake which caused the ban. But his fellow players didn't. Their fans didn't.

 

[RDCR07]

You're welcome to add substance to your meaningless reply

I think my response is good enough for your meaningless post.

 

[notcool]

Bit disappointed that his release clause hasn't been lowered. Would you guys be comfortable with paying €100m for him when he's a year older?

Suarez was 27 when he went to Barcelona. That was £75m in 2014. £85m next summer is cheaper in real terms.

 

[RDCR07]

Bit disappointed that his release clause hasn't been lowered. Would you guys be comfortable with paying €100m for him when he's a year older?

Why would they lower the release clause? Both parties know teams i.e. United are willing to pay that fee for him. So no reason to lower it.

 

[Noc-Z]

It is. But I just find that entire attitude (not just you, plenty of others saying the same thing in here) very hypocritical.

We demand our players loyalty and love for us. We love them for it when they show it. But when a player from another team shows enough loyalty to his current club to 'sacrifice' a year to help them out when they are in trouble...I hate that it's hurt our plans, but I can't help but respect him for it. There's no doubt that he does have a desire to play for us, but he also has showed loyalty to his current club and their fans.

Yes, his club did make the mistake which caused the ban. But his fellow players didn't. Their fans didn't.

I do understand what you're saying. And we will all have different approaches to things - every coach is different too. In hindsight maybe he should have laid off a bit until after the decision on the ban. If he's so loyal to his club why did he behave like he did? If a player of ours such as Pogba said in an interview, 6/10 chance of moving to Madrid this Summer, I'd not be happy with him would you? I don't see how Atletico would approve of that. I don't think he's impressed anyone.

 

[illReD]

I think my response is good enough for your meaningless post.

Holding an opinion is meaningless? I dislike him for his bad attitude, I'm sorry you find that so upsetting lmao.
It seems even on a football forum you have those who prefer confirmation bias and safe spaces LOL.
Here mate, I'll change it for you!

GRIEZMANM IS AMAZING, BEST PLAYER, BEST GOAL SCORER, BUY NOW.

Satisfactory :$?

 

[RDCR07]

Holding an opinion is meaningless? I dislike him for his bad attitude, I'm sorry you find that so upsetting lmao.
It seems even on a football forum you have those who prefer confirmation bias and safe spaces LOL.
Here mate, I'll change it for you!

GRIEZMANM IS AMAZING, BEST PLAYER, BEST GOAL SCORER, BUY NOW.

Satisfactory :$?

Showing loyalty to his club is a shit attitude? At this point in time, Athletico is a better team than United. So he essentially he would be moving to a weaker team for more money. Now thats a shit attitude. You need to remember footballers dont think like fans. Just because he didnt want to come to your team this summer, his attitude his shit?

 

[limerickcitykid]

It is. But I just find that entire attitude (not just you, plenty of others saying the same thing in here) very hypocritical.

We demand our players loyalty and love for us. We love them for it when they show it. But when a player from another team shows enough loyalty to his current club to 'sacrifice' a year to help them out when they are in trouble...I hate that it's hurt our plans, but I can't help but respect him for it. There's no doubt that he does have a desire to play for us, but he also has showed loyalty to his current club and their fans.

Yes, his club did make the mistake which caused the ban. But his fellow players didn't. Their fans didn't.

Agree with you. What he has done is exactly what fans want our players to do. I look forward to signing him next season.

 

[limerickcitykid]

I do understand what you're saying. And we will all have different approaches to things - every coach is different too. In hindsight maybe he should have laid off a bit until after the decision on the ban. If he's so loyal to his club why did he behave like he did? If a player of ours such as Pogba said in an interview, 6/10 chance of moving to Madrid this Summer, I'd not be happy with him would you? I don't see how Atletico would approve of that. I don't think he's impressed anyone.

So did you hate Cristiano the last year here as well all knew he was leaving. Or do you not want DeGea then?

 

[Noc-Z]

So did you hate Cristiano the last year here as well all knew he was leaving. Or do you not want DeGea then?

I didn't say I hated Griezmann I just wouldn't go after him again. Ronaldo stayed under totally different circumstances. And to give De Gea his due credit he is not giving interviews saying how likely it is he will move to Madrid this summer. Griezmann could have answered the question by saying I am staying at Atletico if he's so loyal. I've said in another thread I'd probably rather De Gea went if that's where he'd rather be. But hate? No.

 

[MadDogg]

I do understand what you're saying. And we will all have different approaches to things - every coach is different too. In hindsight maybe he should have laid off a bit until after the decision on the ban. If he's so loyal to his club why did he behave like he did? If a player of ours such as Pogba said in an interview, 6/10 chance of moving to Madrid this Summer, I'd not be happy with him would you? I don't see how Atletico would approve of that. I don't think he's impressed anyone.

I wouldn't compare it to Pogba.

Griezmann has been there a few years now, establishing himself as their best player and amongst the very best players in the world. Atletico, as good as they actually have been during this period, aren't going to take that step up to the absolute top dogs, both in performances or in wages. In that situation, as much as it might sting, it's obvious that he is going to move on eventually.

It would be more like us getting a transfer ban in that window when Ronaldo left us, and Ronaldo deciding to put his own wishes aside and stay with us for one more season because of the love that he has for SAF, the club and the fans. That comparison isn't quite right either, but it's closer than comparing it to Pogba now. And while yes it would still sting that he was going to leave and will in another year, the fact that he showed his loyalty to help us out when we were in trouble would have given us more good feelings for him. It also wouldn't have diminished his wish to go to Real and play for them, just like I have no doubt that Griezmann does wish to come to us.

 

[izec]

See you in 2018 Grizou you wanker, nailed on in my opinion

 

[Noc-Z]

Agree with you. What he has done is exactly what fans want our players to do. I look forward to signing him next season.

I wouldn't compare it to Pogba.

Griezmann has been there a few years now, establishing himself as their best player and amongst the very best players in the world. Atletico, as good as they actually have been during this period, aren't going to take that step up to the absolute top dogs, both in performances or in wages. In that situation, as much as it might sting, it's obvious that he is going to move on eventually.

It would be more like us getting a transfer ban in that window when Ronaldo left us, and Ronaldo deciding to put his own wishes aside and stay with us for one more season because of the love that he has for SAF, the club and the fans. That comparison isn't quite right either, but it's closer than comparing it to Pogba now. And while yes it would still sting that he was going to leave and will in another year, the fact that he showed his loyalty to help us out when we were in trouble would have given us more good feelings for him. It also wouldn't have diminished his wish to go to Real and play for them, just like I have no doubt that Griezmann does wish to come to us.

You can compare it to any player we currently have because it's not about the player it's about how they behave! We don't have an equivalent to Griezmann. Pogba will do fine. Any Man United player I wish to pull out if the air will of fine because none of them should be talking about another club the way Griezmann did under those circumstances.

Agree with you. What he has done is exactly what fans want our players to do. I look forward to signing him next season.

Maybe wait and see who we sign this window and how well we do next season before looking forward to signing him next year.

 

[Sylar]

People sure are touchy in here

his comments are just a way to make the Atleti fans happy. Much like Ronaldo when he stayed the extra year with United.
he gets the money boost for staying the extra year, but whilst the Release Clause doesnt change, there will possibly be more room for agreement now if he were to leave (when he leaves)

Him staying an extra year based on the ban is fair enough.

 

[Noc-Z]

People sure are touchy in here

his comments are just a way to make the Atleti fans happy. Much like Ronaldo when he stayed the extra year with United.
he gets the money boost for staying the extra year, but whilst the Release Clause doesnt change, there will possibly be more room for agreement now if he were to leave (when he leaves)

Him staying an extra year based on the ban is fair enough.

Of course it's fair enough it's up to him. But it makes us change our plans, the way people are talking they want him next year no matter what. Well we can't keep a spot open for him for a year because he changed his mind. It's not a signing I wanted to make anyway so I'm OK with the result. Doesn't mean I have to approve of his character. If I was manager and a player of mine was to say he was 6/10 to go to another club I'd pull him in. Luckily there is no chance of me managing Manchester United.

 

[Jaybomb]

He didn't want it enough. So feck him.

He had his chance to join us and he blew it. Move on.