Once considered one of the favorite strikers among the world football elite, Antoine Griezmann these days is going through a strange period in his career: he always comes on the field after the 60th minute and may not be Diego Simeone’s tactical option. The case sparked a lot of controversy in Spain.
In Atlético’s five matches this season, the striker has always played less than 31 minutes (29 with Getafe, 29 with Villarreal, 27 with Valencia, 28 with Real Sociedad and 30 with Porto).
The reason for reducing the use of the 31-year-old striker may be related to the fact that the Frenchman has a mandatory purchase clause in Barcelona’s loan contract with Atletico Madrid. This part of the agreement allegedly states that if Griezmann played more than 60 minutes on the field, in 12 to 14 matches, Colchoneros would have to pay €40 million to the culés, keeping the player permanently. The advanced age of the player may be one of the factors that makes Simeone’s team try to avoid paying this “fine” at all costs.
For now, Griezmann appears calm about the situation. “That’s what we have, the decision is not in my hands. I thank God for being here. Of course I want to play more, but I will do my best in the minutes I have. I feel like a player for the club, I am happy, I want to give everything to the club, to Schullo (Simone) and to the fans.” “, he said after scoring the goal that led to the defeat of FC Porto in the Champions League.
Diego Simeone defends that this form of striker use is due, only, to a choice based on the athlete’s physical ability. “We’ve been together for many years, and we have a lot of affection for each other. Besides, there’s the fact, the numbers. Last season was uneven, but we hope it’s going to be strong. What we can see is the fact that in 30 minutes he’s doing a good job,” the coach said. Too. In 60 minutes we don’t know… I’m following the reality.”
If, on the one hand, those responsible for Atletico Madrid believe that this tactic can avoid paying Barcelona, then those responsible for the Catalan emblem believe in another version.
According to the newspaper “Sport”, Barcelona understands that the loan of Griezmann was valid last season (2021/2022) and will be extended again if the player played in more than half of the matches in which he was available to Diego Simeone. Not only did it happen, but when it was all said and done, the Argentine used it 80% of the time.
This factor would renew the loan contract, but imposed the mandatory repayment of 40 million euros at the end of this season.
With neither side seeming willing to give in, the case promises to take on many more roles and spark (even more) controversy in the near future.
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