Griezmann: I have what it takes to win the starting XI This is not the best Atletico I have played for

In an exclusive interview with "AS" on November 20, Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann talked about his new role, the joining of Alvarez and some of the club's current situations and other topics.

You have been chasing your 200th goal. Have you ever felt too stressed?

——I didn’t feel too stressed, but it did feel like the waiting time was very long. Especially at the end of last year's season, but I wasn't focused on achieving that goal.

Why?

——Because of everything that happened in March, we basically missed all the championships. It hit me hard mentally, but when the goal (the 200th goal) came and I got closer and closer to it, it finally fell into place.

Did the loss in March have a big impact on your mental state?

- Yes, of course. Because I was full of enthusiasm and had a lot of dreams, but March was not a good month for any of us; we lost La Liga and the Champions League. My mood hit rock bottom, which really broke my spirit and affected my subsequent game state.

How do you adapt to your new role?

- At the end of the day, you always want to play. But I know I have to stay professional, I have to set an example for all my teammates and then prove to the coaches that I'm still ready to play and that I have what it takes to go out there and earn a starting spot.

How did you feel the moment you stepped onto the court?

- I'm eager to play. I'm very happy to come to Madrid and play for Atletico and I think this season has shown that.

Your original contract did not expire until 2026, but you renewed it until 2027. Why?

—Because I crave more. I still have a lot of game time, a lot of physical strength, and enough mental quality to play for the team and become an important member of the team. I knew I had to prove it to everyone and I aspired to become more important. As for the title, or whether it will become a legend years from now, we'll have to wait and see.

461 games, 203 goals, the top scorer in team history, the first player to score at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium... You are already a legend...

- Yes, but I don't really like to label myself. There will be time to consider these later. Now all I have to do is prove day in and day out that I can still play football.

What is the truth about the rumors about your move to MLS? Do you mind if people always talk about your future?

——No. At the end of the day, people talk about it all the time. There were discussions like this from the first day I came here to the last day before I left. But, like I said, I'm happy here. Everyone knows that MLS is my dream and my goal, but I still have a contract and I want to continue to renew my contract and continue to contribute to the team.

After you score your 200th goal, what else do you want to achieve at Atletico Madrid?

——Win the league championship, Champions League championship, and cup championship. There are still many goals to achieve and I hope to continue to bring joy to my fans and teammates.

Alvarez mentioned in an interview with AS that you once sent him a message on Instagram to persuade him to join Atletico Madrid. Did someone ask you to do this? club? Simeone? Or did you take the initiative to contact him yourself?

- I knew the club was trying their best to sign him, so I decided to write him a ten-sentence message to convince him. I messaged him telling him how great Atletico, Simeone and his team-mates were... and finally, after a lot of hard work, he joined us.

Have you sent him a lot of messages?

—No. I think I only sent him about four messages before he finally decided (laughs).

How do you feel about fighting alongside him? Your move, in essence, showed great generosity because Alvarez arrived to be Atletico's star player and you were already in that position - yes, but at the end of the day, the more star players there are, the better it is for the club and the better the chances of winning games. Ultimately, we try to have a good relationship both on and off the court, and I think it shows in our game.

Is this the strongest Atletico Madrid you have ever played for? This year’s team, this lineup?

- No, it's not.