Griezmann Speaks On Winning The Ballon d'Or After World Cup Victory

Posted by George on Mon 16th Jul, 2018 - tori.ng

The Atletico Madrid striker helped Les Bleus to global glory in Russia, but is reluctant to speculate on whether personal accolades may follow.

Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann is reluctant to speculate on whether World Cup glory with France will enhance his claims to a Ballon d’Or triumph in 2018.

The 27-year-old forward was a key figure for Les Bleus as they swept to a second global crown, with Didier Deschamps making him a mainstay of the side.

Griezmann contributed four goals to the collective cause, including a penalty in a 4-2 final victory over Croatia, while his delivery from set-pieces proved instrumental throughout the tournament.

Having starred on a world stage, it is now being suggested that a flying start to the 2018-19 season with Atletico could put a man who finished third in the Ballon d’Or vote back in 2016 in contention for the grandest of personal prizes.

Griezmann, though, is setting no such targets, telling reporters: "The Ballon d'Or ... well, people are voting for it, so we will see what is going to happen.

"I still have a European Super Cup to play. I hope we are going to win it.

"At the moment, I really want to enjoy and have a good time with our families and the whole of the French people in France. I want to have a good holiday. And I want to be ready for the European Super Cup. As I said the Ballon d'Or [voting] is not in my hands."

Atletico are set to face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final on August 15, with Diego Simeone’s Europa League winners readying themselves for a meeting with the Champions League holders.

Griezmann could have a key role to play in that contest, with his focus having been realigned in the Spanish capital.

It appeared at one stage prior to the World Cup that he could be heading for pastures new, with Barcelona making no secret of their desire to land a proven performer.

Griezmann was, however, to stay put and is looking forward to an exciting future with club and country.

He added: "I'm very happy, very proud of the team, my teammates.

"I am thankful to everybody [and] also Atletico, who are making a big effort to keep winning.

"I wanted to take the decision [to turn down Barcelona] before the World Cup. I am very proud of the decision I made. This trophy is for all the Colchoneros. We have an exciting year ahead of us."