Griezmann’s Parting Gift to Atletico Fans?
Atletico Madrid started the 2017/18 Europa League final as the favourites against Marseille. Despite taking their time to get into the match and offering one golden chance for Marseille to open the scoring, it was the Spanish club who came out on top.
Griezmann’s Goals
Following a mis-control by Andre Zambo Anguissa, Atletico Madrid pounced on the ball in the attacking third and Gabi played the ball through to Antoine Griezmann who made the finish look easy.
With Atletico Madrid leading 1-0 it was always going to be difficult for Marseille to get back into the game and when Dimitri Payet was forced off injured, their hopes went with the French international.
It didn’t take long for Atletico Madrid to double their lead in the second half and it was Griezmann again who provided the finishing touch. There was a gap in the Marseille defence between centre-back Adil Rami and the full-back Jordan Amavi and Griezmann was played through to send a deft chip over the advancing goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
With time running out, Atletico Madrid grabbed their third goal and it was captain, Gabi, who drilled a shot low into the far corner from inside the penalty area to seal the victory in style.
Following the final whistle, Griezmann celebrated in-front of the Atletico Madrid fans. However, if rumours are to be believed, it could have been the last time we will see Griezmann in the red and white of Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona Bound?
We will know more following the final La Liga game of the season at home to Eibar on the weekend. If Griezmann walks up to the Atletico Madrid fans and waves as he leaves the pitch, it could be a sign he is about to move on and has played his last game for the club.
If Griezmann is to leave the Wanda Metropolitano, he couldn’t have asked for a much better way in which to go thanks to his goals in the Europa League final. Atletico Madrid will also finish second in La Liga, which is a remarkable achievement considering they will be above Champions League finalists, Real Madrid.
Following the Europa League final, Griezmann said, “I think now is not the moment to talk about my future, I just want to enjoy myself after my performance, after winning a trophy and I want to celebrate with the fans.”
However, reports suggest Barcelona are close to activating Griezmann’s €100 million release clause and given the current market, that seems like a good deal for a forward who is entering his prime at 27 years of age.
Other clubs have been linked with a move for Griezmann, including Manchester United but it’s Barcelona who appear to be leading the race for his signature. There is still a chance Griezmann will opt to stay with Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid but when a club like Barcelona make an offer, it is difficult to turn down.