One promise wasn’t fulfilled.
Antoine Griezmann has revealed that he had the promise that he would wear the number seven shirt at Barcelona written into his contract.
Griezmann joined the Catalan club in 2019 after Barça activated his £107m release clause to make the move from Atlético Madrid.
The Frenchman signed a five-year deal at Camp Nou and was expected to be one of the shining lights at the club however he ultimately proved to be an underwhelming signing.
During his time at the club, Griezmann wore the number 17 but the attacker recently revealed to Cadena SER that he was promised the number seven in his contract – the number he wore at Atléti, Real Sociedad and with the France national team.
He was eventually awarded the number in 2020 after taking it from Philippe Coutinho, who had worn it the previous season before.
Despite getting the name change his fortunes didn’t improve and he was eventually sent on loan back to Atlético Madrid before returning on a permanent after they activated a clause to bring him back to the Wanda Metropolitano.
Ironically, on his return, Griezmann was given the number eight shirt as seven is currently occupied by João Felix, although he appears to be moving to Chelsea on loan.
Following his permanent return to Diego Simeone’s side, Griezmann has looked far more comfortable for both club and country this season.
Although Atlético are performing below expectations – sitting fifth in the La Liga table – but the 31-year-old has scored six goals and registered nine assists in all competitions.
The forward was also one of France’s star performers at the World Cup.
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