Atletico Madrid Star Antoine Griezmann Reveals He Almost Replaced Gareth Bale at Spurs
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has revealed he almost signed for Tottenham Hotspur to fill the boots of talisman Gareth Bale, after the Welshman left Spurs to join Real Madrid in 2013.
Quoted by the Mirror, the 26-year-old Frenchman writes in his new book 'Derriere Le Sourire' that the North Londoners targeted him - a story corroborated by the Independent - as he considered his next move after Real Sociedad.
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Griezmann instead elected to remain in Spain with Los Concheros, where the forward has become one of the hottest properties in European football.
The French international has been linked with a move to England with Manchester United also, but after Atletico had their transfer ban upheld last summer, meaning that a potential move fell through.
In the book, he also states of his commitment to the Madrid club and states that he remains happy in his current surroundings, but does not rule out a move away in the future.
Griezmann writes: "In June, I extended my contract and I am tied to the club until 2022.
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"Although I might be missing out on titles, I have everything here to be happy, but that does not mean to say I won't go one day. I haven't made that decision. It all depends on various factors."
A product of La Real's youth system in Sociedad, Griezmann was promoted to the first team in 2009, where the striker went on to score 46 goals in 180 appearances.
His performances saw a first call-up to the France U19s in February 2010, and Griezmann has remained with Les Bleus through the U21s and now the senior squad, having netted 19 times in less than 50 games for Didier Deschamps' men.
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Switching to Atletico in 2014, the Frenchman has an average of better than a goal every other game in Madrid a goal-scoring ratio which now has the top clubs calling.
Whilst links to both La Liga rivals FC Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to be mooted, the Premier League is also an option, which Griezmann also says despite 'the weather' could happen.
"I have nothing against England, except for the weather", the Frenchman adds. "Manchester United is a possibility."
