I told Arsenal to forget about signing me after manager’s transfer move left me furious

5

• 
• Arsenal
• Arsenal News
• Arsenal

I told Arsenal to forget about signing me after manager's transfer move left me furious

One of Atletico Madrid's biggest stars has more reason than most to want to knock Arsenal out of the Champions League semi-finals

View 2 Images

A Champions League semi-final against Arsenal carries added significance for Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman has previously disclosed his long-standing grievance with the Gunners, stretching back well before Wednesday's European clash.

The Atletico Madrid talisman will play a pivotal role in Diego Simeone's plans as Atleti aim to reach this season's continental showpiece. Mikel Arteta's side are the only obstacle between Griezmann and a second Champions League final appearance.

Yet it was Arsene Wenger at the helm when the possibility of Griezmann moving to north London first emerged. The attacker was still impressing at Real Sociedad when he learnt of Arsenal's interest, only to be left frustrated by the English club's hesitation.

Griezmann, 35, detailed in his 2017 autobiography how former Arsenal player and scout Gilles Grimandi had been in touch with his then-agent, Eric Olhats. It subsequently became apparent, however, that the future World Cup-winner may have been led on.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

"I waited, I waited, and I kept waiting," he wrote in 'Behind the Smile'. "When there was no news, Eric called Grimandi, who said that the manager was still interested in me [and] to keep waiting.

"Finally a few hours before the market closed, he let us know Arsenal would not make a move. I don't like to be told something and for it not to happen. So when Eric told me later that the London club were interested again I told him 'Forget it, after the blow they gave us'."

View 2 Images

The incident evidently left a bitter impression on Griezmann and permanently soured his view of Arsenal. He'll now have an opportunity for retribution when the two sides clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Not that the former Ballon d'Or contender is likely to harbour any regrets about how his career has unfolded, despite never arriving at the Emirates. Griezmann is poised to leave Atletico for Major League Soccer outfit Orlando City at the conclusion of this campaign and will depart with legendary status intact.

He'll exit as the club's record goalscorer, having amassed 212 goals and 98 assists from 494 total appearances in red and white. Griezmann has helped the side claim the Europa League, reach Champions League and Copa del Rey finals, while also lifting the World Cup during his first spell at the club.

That's before considering a somewhat disappointing stint with Barcelona, while also accumulating 137 caps for France and netting 44 goals in the process. Only Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142) have represented Les Bleus more, while only Olivier Giroud (57), Kylian Mbappe (56) and Thierry Henry (51) boast more goals.

Quite the career trajectory for a player who reportedly couldn't even secure a callback from the Gunners over a decade ago. And Griezmann has a golden opportunity to further cement his legacy should he help Atletico knock Arsenal out of the Champions League.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌
Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
​Click the button below to make a secure donation