Griezmann Opens Up About United Move

Griezmann Opens Up About United Move

Antoine Griezmann was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. The Frenchman was Mourinho’s No.1 target and would’ve almost certainly led the line for United next season, probably wearing the famous No.7 shirt in the process. United had reportedly activated his £89m release clause, but following Atletico Madrid’s transfer embargo which meant that they couldn’t sign a replacement this summer if he left, Griezmann opted to stay instead of looking for a move away.

Griezmann has recently spoken about his proposed move to Old Trafford, a deal that would’ve made him the second most expensive player of all time behind fellow countryman Paul Pogba, admitting that he would have found it difficult to live with himself had he left Atletico.

The Spanish club’s transfer ban meant Griezmann’s replacement Alexandre Lacazette would not have been able to complete his move to the club until January 2018, something neither party wanted a part in. As a results, Griezmann stayed and rejected the option to join Manchester United. He then went on to sign a new contract at the club.


Speaking about the transfer for the first time, Griezmann had this to say on the matter.

“I stayed mainly because of the ban. Atletico need me more than ever. It would be dirty to leave.” said the Frenchman.

“I wouldn’t have been myself or the person that I feel I am today, if I had left the club in that way.”

[Quotes via Metro]

United will be disappointed to have missed out on Griezmann, but with his release clause staying the same in his new contract, perhaps this is not the end of the saga.