Antoine Griezmann spoke of his pride mixed with ‘a little disappointment’ to finish third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the 2016 Ballon d’Or.
The 25-year-old played a vital role as Atletico Madrid were a penalty shootout away from Champions League glory and the French national team went down in extra time of the European Championships final, netting 32 goals in 54 competitive club games in 2016.
"They are two monsters of the game, two legends, and, to be just behind them, I'm proud, I'm happy," Griezmann – who finished ahead of Gareth Bale, Neymar and Luis Suarez – admitted.
"I have to keep going like this, keep scoring, keep enjoying myself on the pitch and giving happiness to the people watching.
"I'm really proud, very happy, but there's also a little disappointment. But I'm happy to be third, and want to thank those who voted. I'll keep working, I'm on the right track, keep enjoying myself on the pitch.
“I hope 2017 will be the same as this one (both personally and for Atletico) – it's going to be hard, we'll try.”
