Antoine Griezmann has admitted he would be tempted into seeking a move to the Premier League if he left Atletico Madrid.
The forward suffered a double disappointment over the summer, losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid in a penalty shoot-out before being defeated in extra-time in the final of Euro 2016 with France.
Griezmann has emerged as one of the top talents in world football. There have been reports of a number of Premier League sides taking an interest in his signature. The Macon-born 25-year-old’s footballing hero may suggest ties with England that could bode well for that switch.
Speaking to The Guardian, he revealed that David Beckham had had a big impact on him: ‘I liked him a lot. He was my idol. That’s why I wear a long-sleeved jersey and wear the No7.’
As for the idea of a switch to the English top flight, Griezmann did not write it off.
‘Yes, why not?,’ he responded when asked about the notion of moving to the Premier League. ‘If I am out of contract with Atletico I would ask myself that question.’
However, any move may rely on Atletico no longer wanting to keep him at the club, as the France international was clear about his affinity for the Spanish giants.
Discussing his current side he continued: ‘We live well. Personally, it is a club that can bring titles. I really have no desire to go to another club. I want to win titles with Atletico.
‘It’s not a personal mission to win La Liga but I want it very badly. We have strong desire to win both La Liga and the Champions League and I am going to give my all to help my team to succeed. This season I hope we will be better more than ever.’
Griezmann scored important goals last season against both Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals and Bayern in the last four.
He developed into one of the most highly regarded attacking talents in Europe, plundering 32 goals in 54 games in all competitions.
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