Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has revealed that he idolized Manchester United and England legend David Beckham while growing up. Griezmann revealed in an interview with GQ France that he is a fan of the former Manchester United no. 7 and also claimed to be impressed by Beckham’s on-field class and his off-field presence.
The 25-year-old has been in prolific form for both club and country this season and has amassed 32 goals in 54 appearances for the Los Rajiblancos.
The Frenchman is seen donning the number 7 jersey for both France and Atletico Madrid, and he divulged that Beckham was the reason behind that. Griezmann also claimed that he plays in long sleeved jersey as the Englishman used to do the same.
"I am an absolute fan [of Beckham]. On the field, he already had class, and off the field, he is always clean, well dressed and has perfect hair,"
"I'm really a fan. I play in long sleeves because he did too, I also took his number, 7,"
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Recollecting the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, where Beckham was the torch-bearer, the 25-year-old said: "I remember him at the London 2012 Olympic Games - he was on a boat and his hair did not move!"
However, when asked about his favourite moment from European Championships, the former Real Sociedad winger revealed that it was his countryman David Trezeguet’s Euro 2000 winning goal, which he cherishes the most.
"It's the year 2000," he said. "The golden goal Trezeguet in the final against Italy. This is the last time we saw such a goal in this competition, it was crazy."
Griezmann is also one of the key players for hosts, France, in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2016 and how further Les Blues progress in the tournament could be dependent on the form exhibited by the 25-year-old.
The Atletico Madrid man had a dismal outing in France’s opening game of the tournament against Romania, where Didier Deschamps side came out eventual winners – winning the tie 2-1. Griezmann hit the post from few yards out after getting on the end of a delicious cross by Bacary Sagna.
West Ham United midfielder Dimitri Payet stole the show in the curtain-raiser, first providing the assist for Olivier Giroud’s opener, before scoring the winner with a thunderous strike from outside the box.
Deschamps’ side next host Albania on Wednesday at the Stade Velodrome and Griezmann would be hoping to make a positive impact for his side.
