Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has denied having interest joining Manchester United, amidst club’s interest. In an interview with Marca, the French man said he hopes to make his mark at Atletico as a legend, while expressing his desire to win titles for the club. “I’m motivated to be someone important at Atletico, to be a legend at this club. I know I have to earn it.” Griezmann has been a key player for Diego Simeone’s side since the start of the current season. He has so far scored 12 goals in La Liga and Champions League matches. 
Antoine Griezmann – Getty image Despite facing challenges in regaining the fans’ trust after a controversial return from Barcelona, the 32-year-old has become a driving force for Atletico. Acknowledging the importance of connecting with the fans, he said, “I feel that I have recovered the connection with the fans.” Griezmann has a total of 169 goals for Atletico, and aims to surpass Luis Aragones’ record of 173. On his target for the season, he said he desires to win the La Liga: “I want to win La Liga, I need it. I’ve never done it, and it would be nice.” Atletico Madrid, under Simeone, secured two league titles during Griezmann’s absence, with their successes occurring while he played at Real Sociedad and Barcelona.
Griezmann celebrating a goal with Mbappe. Source: Getty The Tottenham goalie led his team to glory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and helped Les Blues reach the World Cup four years later as captain. Raphael Varane was expected to fill up the position, but he also retired from international competition as well at 29. After Mbappe was named as the French team’s skipper, It was not favorably received by many. Some French football experts and commentators have argued the decision showed a lack of respect for the Atletico Madrid striker. Catalan newspaper SPORT reported that Antoine Griezmann pondered quitting the French team over the decision, seeing his exclusion as a mistake. Three months later, 32-year-old Griezmann has finally broken his silence on 24-year-old Mbappe getting France’s captaincy. 
Antoine Griezmann during a training. Source: Getty Speaking to Telefoot, he said; “It was hard to take, and tough. I’m 32 and, although I still have the legs, I know I’m reaching the end [of my career]. I had a hard time stomaching it for one or two days.“ Still, Griezmann remains an instrumental player for Les Bleus in his newly-found central midfielder role. The 2018 Europa League winner with Atlético Madrid is expected to start against Greece on Monday at the Stade de France as part of their campaign to qualify for Euro 2024. Griezmann also committed his future to the Colchoneros, adding that he holds no ill-feeling towards his team-mate. He said; “I’m fully behind our captain Kylian. I won’t change anything, because that’s who I am.” The Atletico forward is set to return to the France starting XI for their next European Championship qualifier against Greece on Monday, June 19. Deschamps’ side are currently sitting top of Group B with maximum points from their first three games. 
Antoine Griezmann at a match for Atletico Madrid. Source: Getty A recent report claimed that Griezmann has a surprisingly low release clause in his contract believed to be €25m (£21.4m), this has alerted a number of Premier League clubs. Teams from Saudi Pro League have also shown interest in him even though MLS has been mooted as a potential destination for Antoine Griezmann who has expressed his desire to finish his career in the USA. With Griezmann earning £345,000 per week, there was a suggestion that Atletico could be tempted to sell the French footballer. La Liga’s strict salary limit is an issue for Atletico, and offloading Griezmann would allow them to improve their economic situation. Speaking at a press conference this weekend, Antoine Griezmann said; 