Antoine Griezmann: the perfect example of a true professional

Antoine Griezmann’s time at Barcelona has been anything but straightforward.

Signed in the summer of 2019, a year after the deal was initially mooted to happen, the Frenchman has constantly been under the scanner, thanks to the hefty €120 million transfer fee that Barca shelled out to acquire him from Atletico Madrid.

A small misstep, one minor error and critics, and even some sections of supporters have never been shy of beating him with the price tag stick. The Frenchman has also had to face the challenge of not playing in his preferred role, often finding himself shunted out to the left flank, while there also have been three managerial changes at the club during this time.

Despite all the hurdles and the detractors, though, Griezmann has continued to give his best on the field for the Catalans. Even when he may not be at his best, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is always one of the most hard-working individuals on the pitch, always willing to track back, help the team in the defensive phases.

As for his contributions going forward, a lot his made of his disappointing debut season, but Griezmann scored the same number of goals that Neymar did in his first year at Barcelona (15). And the 30-year-old did up his game in the 2020/21 campaign, getting directly involved in 33 goals in 51 games in all competitions.

Has Griezmann always played at his best level? No. And he is the first to accept that. “People are asking if I’m a good signing or not, I know I can help. Maybe I haven’t helped as some people would have liked, but I want to help my teammates,” the Frenchman had said in an interview in November last year, right before his form would peak.

Even now, when there has been so much speculation about his future, so much being said and written about whether he will be a Barcelona player or be sold, the 30-year-old has maintained a dignified silence. No rash statements, no antics of any sort to push for a move.

Instead, Le Petit Prince is Just carrying on with his training with an impeccable attitude and 100% commitment, that has left those within the club hierarchy very impressed, reports MARCA.

The 30-year-old is said to have struck up a good rapport with new signing Memphis Depay as well – a direct competitor for his place in the lineup. During the friendly win against Girona, Griezmann won a penalty and could have taken it himself to make a point. Instead, the Frenchman handed the ball to Depay – an act of good leadership.

As of yet, Griezmann is yet to receive any sort of communication from Barcelona with regard to his future. But, SPORT reports that he wishes to continue in Catalonia and is even willing to discuss a pay cut amidst the financial turmoil that the club are going through.

Only time will tell if Griezmann remains a Barcelona or not when the transfer window slams shut next month. But the Frenchman is very much deserving of credit for the way he has carried himself throughout the situation.