Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has discussed the mental challenges he faced while pursuing his 200th goal for the club, revealing a dip in form linked to setbacks experienced in March of this year. The French international recently opened up to AS about the pressure he felt and how it impacted his performance on the pitch, despite now having reached the milestone and securing his future with the club through a contract extension to 2027. Griezmann’s candid remarks offer insight into the pressures faced by elite athletes and his continued commitment to bringing success to Atlético Madrid.
Antoine Griezmann has opened up about a challenging period that impacted his performance, revealing the mental toll it took as he pursued a milestone with Atlético Madrid. The French star recently discussed his pursuit of 200 goals for Los Colchoneros, admitting the journey felt prolonged, particularly last season.
“I wasn’t overwhelmed, but it’s true that it felt long,” Griezmann told AS. “Especially last year, at the end of the season, when I wasn’t focused on that objective… Because of everything that happened in March, and my absence from almost all competitions, it was very difficult mentally. But when I reached the 200-goal mark and got closer, the goals started to come.”
Griezmann acknowledged the setbacks in March significantly affected him. “Yes, of course. I had so much hope, so many dreams, and March wasn’t good for anyone. We lost the Liga and the Champions League. My morale dropped, it affected me a lot mentally, and it had an impact on my game afterward.”
Griezmann Discusses His Future
Despite the difficulties, Griezmann is determined to contribute. “Ultimately, you always want to play. But I understand that I have to be professional, set an example for all my teammates, and prove to the coach that I’m still ready to play, that I have everything it takes to earn my place in the starting eleven. I want to play. I’m very happy here in Madrid, playing for Atlético, and I think you can see that this season.” He reaffirmed his commitment by recently extending his contract through June 2027, a decision driven by his desire for more success.
“Because I want more,” Griezmann explained. “I still have many minutes to play, the energy and the mental strength to play and become an important player within the club. I know I have to prove it to everyone, and I want to establish myself even more. As for the status of a legend, we’ll see in a few years.”
Génération de l’image en cours
Despite appearing in 461 matches and scoring 203 goals – making him the club’s all-time leading scorer – Griezmann remains focused on further cementing his legacy. “I don’t really like to give myself titles or things like that. I’ll think about that later. For now, I have to continue to prove, day after day, that I know how to play.” He has his sights set on adding more silverware to Atlético’s trophy cabinet. “Winning a league title, a Champions League, a cup… There’s still a lot to accomplish, and I want to continue to bring joy to people and my teammates.”
The sting of past Champions League defeats still lingers, particularly the 2016 final against Real Madrid in Milan. “Yes, we still think about it. It’s true that if I had scored, we still wouldn’t have won, but it would have given the team a boost at a crucial moment in the match, when we were playing really well. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”
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