‘Griezmann is bound to be the best in the world’

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone shed a ray of optimism within the Rojiblancos camp after the last year’s Champions League runners-up started on a dismal new season.

Diego Simeone has urged his key man and Euro 2016 finalist, Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, to not loosen up and continue fighting in pursuit of the elusive highest honour.

The former midfielder of the club, who now turns out in a coaching capacity, further revealed that he intends to stay at the club he considers home.

Diego Simeone further added that he has high hopes from Antoine Griezmann who was seemingly unsettled by the idea of separating from his trusted manager.

With the air now cleared, Simeone has attempted to instil a renewed vigour in his star player while maintaining how he is bound to be the best player in the world alongside Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Atletico Madrid have not had the best start to this season but the Argentine was keen to remind his star player Griezmann that he was at a great club, ‘[Griezmann] knows he is at a wonderful club which is growing every day and a coach who wants him,’ added Simeone. ‘He is destined to be up there with [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, and the best in the world.’

The 25-year-old helped France reach the Euro 2016 finals by winning the Golden boot with six goals and was named the tournament’s best player.

Diego Simeone is also jubilant at the prospect of moving to their new home turf. Atletico Madrid will be upgrading their facilities as they are due to move to their new home of Estadio La Peineta, which will have a capacity of 70,000. Simeone believes he thus has another reason to stay at the club.

‘I’m happy,’ admitted Simeone at his book launch, ‘we have a beautiful stadium to enjoy from next year and I hope to be there. When I saw it I could see why I’m still here [at Atletico].’

Diego Simeone was expected to leave the club for the Premier League after it was also rumoured that his staff were taking English lessons. Besides, a move to the Serie A was also supposed to an option. However, the manager has rubbished all the rumours that have surfaced so far.

He added, ‘I am much simpler than you think. I do not want conflict, but it is clear that I’m not a lightweight. Football is what we live for, it enlightens us and it is the best thing to happen to us.’

Atletico Madrid is sitting in 12th spot in La Liga and face Celta Vigo in their next game.