Ahead of a Copa del Rey final against his former club Real Sociedad, Antoine Griezmann looked to calm the hype around what could be his last shot at silverware as an Atlético de Madrid player.
“I don’t think about whether it’s the last one or not,” Griezmann insisted. “I just focus on the fact that it’s a very important match.
“It’s a final that very few players get to play in, so it’s a huge joy, a source of pride,” the forward continued. “I’m just looking forward to being out there tomorrow and performing
at the level we all expect.”
Antoine Griezmann on how he’s feeling
“I’m really excited, eager, and happy. I don’t know, I’m just so happy to be playing in a final. I feel ready to take on a tough match where we’ll have to give it our all on the field.”
Griezmann on the efforts of Tuesday night
“The fact that we made it to the semifinals makes you forget all the effort and fatigue. I sense that everyone is very confident, happy, and eager to train and compete tomorrow.”
Griezmann on what he expects from Real Sociedad
“Since the new coach arrived, they’ve changed quite a bit: fast play, through balls… I’m really enjoying (Gonçalo) Guedes’ season; I’d already seen him at Valencia, and now you can see him enjoying himself. He’s key for them. I hope we can be a well-organized team, tactically sound in defense and attack, and make it a tough match for La Real.”
Griezmann on a message for fans
“I want to thank them for everything they’ve given us this year and continue to give us. They’re always a source of motivation in tough moments. We saw it on Tuesday, when Barça was pressing us. They were right behind us, cheering us on. It’s a great match for the fans, and hopefully we can give them the win.”
Griezmann on if he’s enjoying his final season
“I realize that I am when I’m on the field, playing, enjoying myself. I’m enjoying every message from the coach, I take it to heart. What we want is to play matches.”
Griezmann on what inspires him
“I said it the other day, I saw the team really fired up, calm, and happy. Those who play and those who don’t play as much, no complaints, no egos getting in the way. We’re focused on a strong finish to the season, and we’ll be giving it our all to play a great game and win the Copa for ourselves. This locker room deserves it.”
Griezmann on playing against Real Sociedad
“I’m not thinking about it too much, because otherwise I get too emotional and I don’t want that. I want to be fresh for the match. I owe them a lot, they opened doors for me that others in France didn’t. I owe them a lot. It’s a special match. But I’m not thinking too much about it, just about playing and doing my best.”
