Special correspondent in Dortmund
Could Antoine Griezmann reconsider his end-of-career plans and go to Saudi Arabia rather than the United States where he has been repeating for years his intention to taste the famous “American dream”? Present at a pre-match press conference on Monday at Signal Iduna Park, on the eve of challenging the Germans, the best passer in the history of the France team answered on this subject. “I fully understand those who may have to leave, he admits without beating around the bush when we know that Benzema, Ronaldo, Kanté or even Sané are now playing there. We are talking about incredible amounts. Even if we (already) earn a lot of money, some can secure (the lives of) their children and grandchildren. I find it normal to go there. Afterwards, they (the players who left for Saudi Arabia) will have the obligation to show all their talent. »
Asked about the possibility of ending his career there, rather than going to Major League Soccer, the NBA and NFL fan sweeps away the hypothesis: “I have a family and three children. It’s not an easy decision to make. But MLS is my main goal. » This summer, the vice-captain of the Blues would have refused, according to the Team, an XXL offer of more than 50 million euros. “Beyond sports projects, a player lasts 12 or 13 years if all goes well, admitted the Atlético Madrid player to ESPN in recent weeks. At 35 (he is 32), football stops. I will have to think about whether to accept these offers if this ever happens to me. Now I’m enjoying being here (at Atlético), the numbers in Saudi Arabia are very, very important and they can change your family’s life. »
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