Antoine Griezmann expressed his eagerness to “make history” with Atlético Madrid as they gear up to face Arsenal for a chance to reach the Champions League final.
In last week’s semifinal first leg at the Metropolitano, Atlético and Arsenal played to a 1-1 draw, with penalties converted by Viktor Gyökeres and Julián Álvarez. The decisive second leg is set for Tuesday at the Emirates, with the victor advancing to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final.
The 35-year-old Griezmann, who will be joining Orlando City in MLS this summer, initially considered a transfer mid-La Liga season. He is a seasoned player from Atlético’s last Champions League final in 2016, where he missed a crucial penalty in normal time and later converted one in the shootout as they lost.
“I was always clear: my goal was to stay here because we could achieve something incredible,” Griezmann stated at a press conference in London on Monday, expressing relief over his decision not to sign with Orlando during the March transfer window.
“I had no doubts. I felt we could create something historic with another final, and the team senses it too.”
Throughout a career that includes a World Cup victory with France and a Europa League title with Atlético, Griezmann has yet to lift the Champions League trophy.
Reflecting on his experience in the 2016 final, he admitted feeling “a lot of stress” during that match, in which Atlético lost to their city rivals, Real Madrid, in Milan.
“That year was very different. I felt under immense pressure,” Griezmann recalled. “Everything was happening so quickly, and I didn’t know how to cope. Now, I feel more balanced and at ease. I approach matches with a relaxed demeanor and a lot more joy. These opportunities don’t come by often, but we can make history.”
“Every time I start the Champions League season, I envision lifting the trophy. Every team, every player, and every kid dreaming in their bedroom yearns for that moment. We want it too. We’re just two matches away,” Griezmann added.
Coach Diego Simeone is uncertain if star forward Álvarez, who performed well in the first leg, will be available for Tuesday’s match, as well as Alexander Sorloth, who was absent last week, and Giuliano Simeone, who left the field due to injury.
“They trained a bit yesterday and appear to be improving,” Simeone commented. “We hope they can play. We’ll finalize our starting lineup tomorrow morning… [Álvarez] has a solid understanding of the English league. Let’s trust he can deliver what the game demands.”