BARCELONA • Antoine Griezmann had been set to move to Barcelona last summer in one of football's biggest transfers of all time.
The seemingly nailed-on deal, however, failed to materialise after Atletico Madrid managed to convince the France forward that they were making progress, leading him to sign a new contract until 2023.
But, 10 months after making La Decision - a much-lampooned TV documentary about his decision to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano - media reports have indicated Griezmann "regrets" turning down Barcelona's overtures.
The Spanish champions take on Atletico in a top-of-the-table clash at the Nou Camp today, and he could have been lining up alongside Lionel Messi and a few weeks from a possible domestic double and the Champions League as well.
Instead, he will spearhead Diego Simeone's attack in the knowledge that a loss will surely sound the death knell for his side's title hopes.
The league is all Atletico, who trail Barcelona by eight points, have to play for, having already been knocked out of the King's Cup and the Champions League.
The expectation is that a disappointing term will be followed by a string of player sales in the close season.
THE MORE THE MERRIER
We're on a well-travelled path and now we have to be precise. We'd like to get a trophy, and it would be best to get all of them.
ERNESTO VALVERDE, Barcelona coach, who is aiming for glory on all three fronts.
Bayern Munich have already announced the signing of France defender Lucas Hernandez, who will move in the summer for a club record fee of €80 million (S$121.6 million).
Captain Diego Godin, defenders Filipe Luis and Jose Gimenez, goalkeeper Jan Oblak, and midfielders Thomas Partey and Saul Niguez have also been linked with exits, although Griezmann's possible departure would be the hardest to stomach.
Although the club are continuing to put up a brave front with the rumour mill in overdrive - coach Simeone has said he "cannot imagine the next season without him" - it is hard to imagine the 28-year-old putting up with another year of mediocrity.
After all, this is a player who has gone public, stating he is "sitting at the same table as (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo".
While it would be a "statement of intent" should Atletico win, it is hard to see the away team, who will already be without injured Spain striker Alvaro Morata, causing an upset, with Simeone yet to beat Barcelona in the league in his seven years in charge.
However, Ernesto Valverde does not believe his side have a mental edge going into the encounter as "Atletico are not destabilised by Griezmann being talked about".
Urging the Catalan giants to keep their focus with the treble on the horizon, the Barcelona coach said: "Historically, when Barca win the Champions League, they win LaLiga.
"The way to be in other tournaments is how you are in LaLiga. For me, the league is essential.
"All three trophies are equally close or far away. Everything depends on little things, and we still haven't won anything yet.
"We're on a well-travelled path and now we have to be precise. We'd like to get a trophy, and it would be best to get all of them."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
BARCELONA V ATLETICO
StarHub Ch213, tomorrow, 2.40am
All eyes on France coach Blanc ahead of key Romania clash. Date but above all to try and erase France's traumatising experience at the 2010 World Cup. The page no longer exists or did not
All eyes on France star in key conflict - Latest News
Kisumu All Stars will resume their Kenyan Women's Premier League title hunt on Sunday when they host Wadadia at Moi Stadium in the lakeside city. All Stars could climb into fourth place with victory and coach Juma Said has said their focus is on getting a better defensive shape as they seek to concede less goals.
All eyes on Milan clash for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri Made In Chelsea fans delight as original stars Millie Mackintosh and Caggie Dunlop reunite for a 30th but fume over 'wellness
Injury wrap: Big calls loom for Tigers ahead of huge clash
Now in its 12th edition, all eyes are fixed on Virat Kohli to lift the trophy. Known as Proteas, South Africa are considered as chokers in the tournament history.
Women's World Cup: 10 Big Stars to Keep an Eye Out for in
All eyes will be on whether 2017 Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin can shake off the "massive corkie" he picked up against the Cats, but Richmond coach Damien Hardwick expects his star midfielder to be available to take on the Crows. BARRETT Don't let North test Horse's loyalty, Swans "He (Martin) finished off the game.
CWC'19: Key players to watch out in India-Proteas clash
All eyes on France star in key clash, Football News & Top
BARCELONA • Antoine Griezmann had been set to maneuver to Barcelona final summer time in one in all soccer's largest transfers of all time. The seemingly nailed-on deal, nonetheless, didn't materialise after Atletico Madrid managed to persuade the France ahead that they have been making progress, main him to signal a brand new contract till …
Key Clash Preview: New Zealand v France | The Rugby Blog
All eyes on France star in key clash BARCELONA • Antoine Griezmann had been set to move to Barcelona last summer in one of football's biggest transfers of all time. The seemingly nailed-on deal, however, failed to materialise after Atletico Madrid managed to convince the France forward that they were making progress, leading him to sign a new
All eyes on France coach Blanc ahead of key Romania clash
All eyes on France star in key clash. Antoine Griezmann would be forgiven for regretting his opportunity to sign for Barcelona. Already out of the King's Cup and the Champions League, Atletico
All eyes on France star in key clash - theworldnews.net
All Eyes On: Richie McCaw & Morgan Parra. The All Blacks will want to celebrate captain Richie McCaw's 100th cap with a convincing win over the French in Auckland. McCaw's qualities should be familiar to any rugby fan; his work at the breakdown, big defence and deceptive pace when running with the ball setting him above the rest.
All eyes on Milan clash for Juventus boss Massimiliano
In France, there will arguably be no bigger star on show than Marta. The Brazilian is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, and she still knows how to strike fear into the hearts of
The Standard - Kenya: CS Amina Mohamed surprises Harambee
No comments:
Post a Comment