Griezmann plans Anoeta stay

Real Sociedad midfielder Antoine Griezmann says he plans to stay at Anoeta at least for the time being.

The 22-year-old Frenchman has been linked with a move back to his native country over the summer, with Lyon and Rennes both reported to be interested, but in an interview with Footmercato he ruled out any possibility of leaving in the near future.

“Rumours are part of football and I’m flattered, but I have a contract with La Real. Maybe someday it will happen but not now.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the qualification round of the Champions League with my team,” explained Griezmann, who is also hoping to convince France national team boss Didier Deschamps to take him to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Griezmann is currently serving a ban from the French team after a night out with several teammates just days before an Under-21 match, a sanction that still has six months to run and one that he regrets.

“I made a serious mistake and I hurt my parents and a lot of people. My family, the club and my friends all supported me and it’s something that I will not be doing again,” he admitted.

Even so, he is optimistic Deschamps will grant him an opportunity to stake a claim if he keeps performing to the level he was at last season.

“I’m going to do all I can to wear the French shirt as it means so much to me. I dream of it and am going to show that with my performances on the pitch for the Txuri-urdin.

“I’ve never spoken with Monsieur Deschamps but I get the impression he is a person of integrity and, if I play well, he will be informed of that.

“People who know him have told me to persevere with my idea of getting into the squad and I’ll give everything, so time will tell.”

Tags Deschamps Griezamann Lyon Rennes
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