Antoine Griezmann rejects Cristiano Ronaldo plan and reaffirms transfer desire

13 September 2023 , 06:30

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Antoine Griezmann could be the next superstar to move to MLS following on from Lionel Messi (Image: Getty Images)

Antoine Griezmann has reinforced his wishes to finish his career in America, while seemingly rejecting any suggestions he could follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia.

The World Cup winner has made no secret of his desire to play in MLS and has openly flirted with the prospect he could move there in the future. As the 32-year-old heads towards the latter stage of his career, it does not appear likely that he will be tempted by the riches of the Gulf State instead.

Spanish publication Sport previously reported that several clubs in MLS are interested in signing the Frenchman wth Atletico Madrid aware of the interest. Several MLS clubs have already been in contact with the La Liga giants preparing for him to exit next summer.

Still under contract with Diego Simeone's outfit until 2026, it is claimed Griezmann could move if Atleti receive a sufficient offer. The 32-year-old has now discussed the prospect of potentially becoming the latest superstar to head to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Pro League has been able to attract household names such as Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane over the summer but it appears that Griezmann has his heart set on heading elsewhere and will reject any advances.

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He told Diario AS: "I understand those who have gone to Saudi Arabia! We are talking about incredible sums of money. Some want to protect their children and grandchildren, it seems normal to me.

"They will have the obligation to play well and show all their talent. Could I go? I have a family and 3 children, it's not an easy decision to make but as you know, MLS is still my goal."

Lionel Messi has thrived at Inter Miami and helped the team win the Leagues Cup (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

These comments seem to be consistent with his long-established desire to move to the US, with a move to Saudi Arabia having never really been mooted by the forward.

"I've always said that my objective would be to end there," Griezmann recently told Mail Sport. "Because I like American sports, I’d like to play in MLS and to enjoy playing there – to be competitive, to be able to win there and to play at my top level.

"But first of all, I’d like to continue to make history here. To win titles here with Atletico. We'll see obviously in the future but for me one of my objectives is to end up playing in MLS."

Tom Beattie