REAL MADRID-ATLÉTICO | GRIEZMANN
Griezmann: "I wear the number 7 shirt because of David Beckham"
The French striker also felt confident that Atleti are in good form ahead of Saturday's Madrid derby at the BernabeuChina vs Wales: China Cup
Antoine Griezmann spoke to the media after a shampoo promotional event in the Spanish capital. The player was happy to talk about Saturday's Madrid derby when Atleti visit the Santiago Bernabeu (kick-off 16:15) and less keen to analyse ongoing rumours of a departure from the Calderon this summer.
How do you feel with the derby just around the corner?
I'm feeling good and focusing on Saturday's game. It's a huge game for our fans and the team and I hope all works out well for us.
And then next week's Champions League tie. How do you fancy the three LaLiga's teams chances?
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have attractive games as will be ours. I foresee an intense match and I'm looking forward to facing Leicester.
Will you be with Atleti next season?
It's always the same question and I now don't know what to say. I find myself repeating myself and I certainly see myself here. I feel it's an answer that I've given so many times now but that very question is quite tiring.
Who would you rather face in a hypothetical Champions League final: Madrid or Barcelona?
Well, firstly both teams need to get through the next round and it will be tricky as Bayern and Juve are excellent teams. Let's wait and see and we need to do our own job too.
How do you see Saturday's derby?
I always have the utmost confidence in my team mates and I'd go as far as to say that I fancy us to get a positive result on Saturday.
Do you still have a chance at winning the league title?
I'm not sure, at present securing an automatic Champions League place is the objective at the club. Having said that Saturday is a huge game, especially for the fans. finishing fourth in the league table would be seen as a disappointment and it would also mean cutting short our summer holidays to play a qualifying game. That is a major factor !
You've played deeper this season, how has that been ?
Many times I get told by Koke, Gabi or the manager to not drop back so much but on so many occasions I feel I am capable of picking up the ball there but it all depends on the day. I'm always aiming to improve with my strike rate and this season my assists have improved.
How are things working out with Gameiro?
Fine, he's a positive guy and doing his best at present to get fit and we'll have to see if his ready for Saturday.
You wear the number 7 shirt, is that for superstitious reasons?
My idol was David Beckham and he wore the number 7 shirt at United. He later went on to use the number 23 shirt and even number 32 during his time at PSG.
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