Antoine Griezmann claimed he is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or, despite conceding he can still make improvements to his game.
The France international missed out on the three-man shortlist for FIFA’s The Best award, the winner of which will be announced on September 24, but he is still feeling confident of being named the world’s best player later in the year.
“I think the Ballon d’Or has more prestige and history,” he told AS. “There’s three months left to give everything.
“It is clear that I am a different player than Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar or [Kylian] Mbappe. I’m at the top but I can improve.
“I seek to be as complete as possible. I’m not going to score 50 goals, but I’m looking to help offensively and work for the team.
“I think I already sit where Messi and Cristiano are. And I know other players are going to come for sure.
“I want to improve, I want to win and I want to continue like this, playing in this way.”
Griezmann was linked with a transfer to Barcelona during the summer window, but he explained that his decision to reject a move to Camp Nou was in part a tribute to his team-mates and Diego Simeone.
“Saying no to Barcelona gives greatness to Atletico, Cholo [Simeone], my team-mates,” he said.
“I trust them and we contribute to each other a lot.
“I stay where they give me more love. If it was for money, I would have gone to China.
“It was a very important decision for my future. You do not only look at one year, you do it thinking about four or five. It wasn’t as easy as choosing a candy.”
Click below to follow us for more football updates…
Facebook – @Livesoccerupdates
Twitter – @Lsoccerupdates
Instagram – @Lsoccerupdates
Would you like to receive football updates for free?
WhatsApp the word NEWS to +2349034642498
