Antoine Griezmann wants to help Atletico Madrid continue their recent success but is already living by Diego Simeone’s mantra.
Griezmann was last night unveiled as an Atletico player at Vicente Calderon and spoke after the presentation, his comments reported by AS.
“I want to thank the President and the fans. This week has been a little difficult but I hope to meet the desire and hope of the rest of the squad,” the former Real Sociedad winger said.
“Atletico have had a long interest in me. I was called directly. It’s a great club, finalists in the Champions League and League champions. There was no question [I would join].
“I don’t feel pressure, no, I’ll just enjoy it and I want to repay the fans in every game and in the minutes I play here.
“I’m here to play, grow and help the team try to have a good year as the club did in the year past.
“I’m an ambitious player and I want to fight for every trophy. But as Cholo says, game by game, which means a lot of effort and hard work.”
Despite being attuned to the Coach’s message, Griezmann admitted he hadn’t spoken with Simeone, and warned not to expect him or Mario Mandzukic to be ready for the Supercopa.
“Before you play you have to train hard and show the necessary level,” he insisted.
“There’s still time to train and work in those games you have to build yourself up.
“I needed to move clubs to learn and I knew I could here. I hope to learn a lot from the Coach and my teammates.
“I’ll tell the Coach I don’t care where I play, I’ll enjoy it, that’s most important to me. I like to get in space, touch the ball and play. I enjoy being on the field and helping the team.
“My goal is always to exceed last year’s numbers. I trust my colleagues and the people of the club for that.”
