co-top scorer in history, Griezmann enters the Athlético pantheon

Published on : 12/19/2023 – 11:23 p.m.Modified : 12/20/2023 – 09:55

4 mins

“Living legend”, “historic moment”, “exceptional versatile player”… The Spanish sports press was enthusiastic when discussing the coronation of French striker Antoine Griezmann as co-top scorer of the he story of Atlético Madrid, alongside Spanish legend Luis Aragonés.

With a double (44^e69 sp), Griezmann scored his 172^e and 173^e goals during the 3-3 draw against Getafe in the 18^e La Liga day, its 364^e match with “Atléti”.

The 32-year-old Frenchman joins Aragonés (1938-2014), who had established his mark in 370 matches, at a pace similar to that of “Grizou”.

A 173^e goal in the rojiblanco jersey, which he has worn again with pride since 2021 and his failure at FC Barcelona, ​​after a first stint between 2014 and 2019.

The 2018 world champion is certainly in the form of his life and essential to his team’s play on the pitch, where his childish smile still betrays an intact passion for his sport.

“I’m unplayable,” he admitted to the French press in November. “I know that the club, the coach, my teammates trust me and that helps me to be myself. And it’s true that, in my game, I’m having a lot of fun at the moment.”

“Born to play for Atlético”

Whistled and disowned by some Atléti supporters after his transfer to Barça, “Grizou” completely turned the tide thanks to his hyperactivity on the pitch, his assists and especially his goals – surely the best way to redeem himself in their eyes .

Today, only the name of “Cholo” Diego Simeone is applauded more than his before each match at the Metropolitano, where Atlético has been undefeated since January 2023.

“He is having a fantastic season and is excellent in any position. He is the best player in Europe,” said its president, Enrique Cerezo.

Voted best La Liga player in 2022/23 by the AS newspaper, the French international (127 caps, 44 goals) is the most decisive player for a Spanish club in 2023 with 26 goals and 18 assists.

However, it is difficult to imagine such a return to favor just over a year ago, when the loan agreement between Barça and Atlético only allowed him to play 30 minutes per match, before Atlético does not definitively exercise its purchase option.

“Even if not everyone agreed with his return, I was convinced that he was born to play for Atlético de Madrid,” said his coach Diego Simeone after another performance by his man at do everything against Celtic Glasgow in the Champions League (6-0).

A Liga to become “a legend”

“When someone comes back, apologizes and shows their commitment again, the public not only forgives them, but they love them (again, editor’s note),” declared the general director of the Madrid club, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín , in a conversation with Simeone published by Atlético on the occasion of the extension of the Argentine coach’s contract.

Great architect of the success of the Colchoneros in the Europa League in 2018 (against OM 3-0), and unfortunate finalist of the Champions League in 2016 (against Real on penalties), the Maconnais is now aiming for a first title of champion of Spain.

“A title for Atlético? It would be a dream…”, he summed up in an interview with Marca.

“I am motivated to become someone important at Atlético, a legend of this club. But I know that I have to deserve it. I want to win a Liga, I need it (to become a legend, Editor’s note ).”

Perhaps one last exploit before leaving to live his American dream, he the undisputed fan of the NBA and NFL, and great admirer of David Beckham, today owner of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

“I’ve always said it. My goal is to finish there. (…) But first I want to make history here and win trophies at Atlético. After that, we’ll see,” he assured ESPN at the start of the season.

When it comes to “making history,” a new milestone was reached on Tuesday.

With AFP