Antoine Griezmann makes Saudi Arabia decision as he opens up on future transfer

Antonie Griezmann has made his feelings clear on a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia as he opens up on his future.

Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid following a disastrous spell at Barcelona in 2021 and is contracted to the club until 2026.

Despite having a few years left on his current deal, he's already planning about his next move.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League after revealing his ambitions of playing in America.

However, the forward has seemingly ruled out plying his trade in the Middle East but understands why the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have left Europe for Saudi Arabia.

Speaking during the international break, Griezmann reaffirmed his desire to play in the Major League Soccer, who boast Lionel Messi following his transfer in the summer.

"I understand those who have gone to Saudi Arabia," he told Spanish outlet AS.

"We are talking about incredible sums of money.

"Some want to protect their children and grandchildren, it seems normal to me.

"They will have the obligation to play well and show all their talent.

"Could I go? I have a family and three children, it's not an easy decision to make but as you know, MLS is still my goal."

Antonie Griezmann and Lionel Messi during the World Cup final. Image: Getty

Of course, Messi departed Paris Saint-Germain and signed for David Beckham's Inter Miami.

The 2022 World Cup winner was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia before opting for the MLS.

The Saudi Pro League, though, successfully lured the likes of the aforementioned Ronaldo and Benzema as well as Griezmann's international colleague N'Golo Kante, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson, among others.

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Topics: Football, Antoine Griezmann, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Saudi Pro League, MLS

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar