After being left off the shortlist for The Best FIFA award, the Frenchman insists he is still hoping to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or
Antoine Griezmann claimed he is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he set his sights on winning the Ballon d'Or, despite admitting he can make improvements to his game.
The World Cup-winning France forward missed out on the three-man shortlist for FIFA's The Best award, the winner of which will be announced on September 24, but he is nevertheless feeling confident of his chances of being named the world's best player later in the year.
In contrast to FIFA's prize, the Ballon d'Or winner is determined by votes from journalists, and Griezmann described the prize as more prestigious.
"I think the Ballon d'Or has more prestige and history," he told AS . "There's three months left to give everything.
"It is clear that I am a different player than Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar or [Kylian] Mbappe. I'm at the top but I can improve.
"I seek to be as complete as possible. I'm not going to score 50 goals, but I'm looking to help offensively and work for the team.
"I think I already sit where Messi and Cristiano are. And I know other players are going to come for sure.
"I want to improve, I want to win and I want to continue like this, playing in this way."
Griezmann was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but he explained that his decision to turn down a move to Camp Nou was in part a tribute to his team-mates and head coach Diego Simeone.
"Saying no to Barcelona gives greatness to Atletico, Cholo [Simeone], my team-mates," he said.
"I trust them and we contribute to each other a lot.
"I stay where they give me more love. If it was for money, I would have gone to China.
"It was a very important decision for my future. You do not only look at one year, you do it thinking about four or five. It wasn't as easy as choosing a candy."
Atletico's disappointing start to the new La Liga season continued on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Eibar, with AS Monaco up next for Simeone's men in the Champions League on Tuesday.
FreeAgent10
513
He on the same level as Thaigo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
Databcilty
176
If winning national trophy is what qualifies Griezman to equate himself to Messi and Christiano, then, that Ballot d'OR thing should be abolished. Arrant nonsense. A player like George Weah would have never gone around that trophy. There many player today who are far better than Griezman. Lewondoski, Aguero, Nymar, Mbappe, Bale, Benado Silver, Kane, Kante, Eden Harzad, Lukaku just to name this few. Griezman has not played even what Eto played not to talk of Thierry Henry. Someone should objectively proof me wrong.
Messifcblove
136
So every French player is better than messi and cr7?
Gr_eg
117
winning a cup or cups doesn't mean you deserves to be the best on football or a better footballer. you win with your team and you win because you are with your team. even Ronaldo with his team, messi too, and same with all the legends. but why they're all the best n better? it's because how they show thier love with thier carrier, the passion, the courage, up and down, bitter and sweet, they put their life on it. and most important, how they celebrate it with thier teammates, friends, fans, family and world. but most of all before you want to be the best and better you should know your weakness by weakness by weakness
hardethayo
92
he is really on their level, take it or leave it, he is one of the top,strikers in the world we love you griezou
Vidone
82
yeah, they are different, he is not messi or cr7!
okotokro99
50
You were saying something? Puta!
Niyklmnpr
45
What da f*** ? someone please Call 911 NOW.
Kaecinor
17
If winning national trophy is what qualifies Griezman to equate himself to Messi and Christiano, then, that Ballot d'OR thing should be abolished. Arrant nonsense. A player like George Weah would have never gone around that trophy. There many player today who are far better than Griezman. Lewondoski, Aguero, Nymar, Mbappe, Bale, Benado Silver, Kane, Kante, Eden Harzad, Lukaku just to name this few. Griezman has not played even what Eto played not to talk of Thierry Henry. Someone should objectively proof me wrong.
To me I think Grezimann 6 players in the world look at what he has done over the pass 4 to 5 playing in a none attacking team like Atletico Madrid Averaging 25 goals every season he helped France win the world cup in style some Ronaldo and Messi and Ronaldo have not managed to do. I am a fan of Ronaldo and Messi, I think Grezimann is close to them but not where they are. I think he is the likeliest to succeed them and win the balon dor. Kane and Mbappe are coming good but when it really really matters I challenge those players you mentioned to step up; then they can be compared to Grezimann