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Atléti does not want Antoine Griezmann to compete in this summer’s Paris Olympics.
According to reports, the attacker is one of three over-age players that Thierry Henry wants to select for his France under-23s squad, along with Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappé.
Nothing has been settled in either situation, since Henry has months before he must choose his team, and Atlético Madrid may possibly relent. However, as things stand, the Spanish team would prefer that Griezmann remain with the club during the Olympic Games.
This is especially true as Oscar Ortega, their long-time fitness coach, will leave at the end of the season. And his successor’s first preseason will take place during the summer games, which will undoubtedly influence the conversations between head coach Diego Simeone and the Frenchman.
Another huge concern for Atléti is that Griezmann will most certainly be selected for France’s Euro campaign, which begins weeks before the Olympics. Playing in both leagues would put the now-veteran striker under tremendous physical strain at the end of a long season, and it would also mean that he would enter the next season without either a recovery break or a preseason with the team.
Despite this, Griezmann has stated that he wants to be a part of the Olympic team. “I have not discussed it with the coach, but it would be a dream for me.” If I am called up, I will put tremendous pressure on them to let me do it. It’s a dream, a goal, and it’s in France, so it represents France. The Olympics. Everyone is watching them. I want it, and having the chance to experience it would be a dream come true.”
Atléti discusses Griezmann’s chances for the Paris Olympics
Ultimately, Atléti will decide whether or not to play. FIFA does not consider the Olympics to be a recognized international competition, hence it is up to the club to decide whether to release players to the national team or not.
