6 unknown facts about Antoine Griezmann

antoine griezmann tattoo
One of Griezmann’s tattoos on display 

The scourge of Real Madrid in the last derby, Antoine Greizmann got the only goal of the game which saw Real go down to their city rivals Atletico Madrid. This was just another feather in the cap of the young French forward as his stock at the club keeps rising with each match being played.The 24-year-old broke into the limelight while playing for Real Sociedad and made a big money move to Atletico Madrid in 2014. He has been amongst the goals for the Spanish side and has notched up 47 goals in 92 games in all competitions for Atletico.Pacey, crafty and with an eye for goal, Griezmann is on the radar for some of the Premier League sides with Manchester United and Chelsea being linked relentlessly with the attacker. We look back at some of the interesting stories about Griezmann and share some facts that you may not have known.

#6 Religious tattoos

antoine griezmann tattoo
One of Griezmann’s tattoos on display

Griezmann's slick hairstyle might give the impression that he is extremely stylish and follows a party lifestyle, his tattoos also might give the same idea. It isn't something new for most players in this day and age of football to flash but the 24-year-old has a number of tattoos related to religion.

His upper arm has a portrait of Jesus while his right arm features a rosary with clouds and stars. The initials of his parents are also tattooed on him, not a person who inks his body without a reason, Antoine is extremely religious and his tattoos are proof of all that.

#5 Banned for partying

Antoine Griezmann partying on the field
Antoine Griezmann celebrating on the field

The French star certainly has toned down his party lifestyle after an incident in October 2012. He and a few of his France U21 teammates left their team hotel in Le Havre to go to a nightclub.

The problem was this nightclub was in Paris, a couple of hours away. He was subsequently banned for 14-months along with his team-mates but was just lucky enough to get a call for the senior side before the World Cup.

Injuries were the reason for that call-up and had it not been for that Griezmann would probably never had such a meteoric rise. Griezmann should be thanking his stars but he now lets his football do the talking and is a mainstay for the French squad.

#4 Avid gamer

Xbox One
Carrying the most important thing to Brazil

We all read about Griezmann just about making it into the French World cup squad in 2014 and it seems the attacker was not too sure about his playing time for the national side.

In a few pictures, it was seen that the Atletico star was carrying a gaming device, the Xbox One in its special travel case. The plan in all probability was to lead France to another World Cup win in FIFA or PES.

Griezmann did have a role to play in Brazil though as he started the first game for the French against Honduras but the side was eliminated at the hands of Germany in the quarter-final stage.

#3 Rejected by French clubs

Lyon
Lyon was just one club which rejected Griezmann

Griezmann moved to Spain at the age of 14, even though his parents did not want him to leave his native country France. The reason for the youngster to move to Sociedad was simply because many french clubs rejected Antoine because of his small physique.

The current Atletico Madrid star was a fan of Lyon and often visited the Stade de Gerland to support the club but even Lyon rejected the youngster and he had to move to continue his football development.

He could have been playing for PSG or Lyon but well, Ligue 1's loss was La Liga's gain.

#2 A call from Diego Simeone got him to Atletico

Diego Simeone
Simeone celebrating with Griezmann

When Griezmann was linked with a move away from Real Sociedad, many top clubs tried to get the signature of the French football. Atletico Madrid managed to bring Antoine to the club but this was thanks to a phone call from the manager Diego Simeone.

When asked about his decision to stay in Spain, Griemann had this to say about the move to France Football:

"Why Spain and not elsewhere? This is my championship, my home. I'm happy here and Atletico is a great club. The [champions] were willing to pay €30 million [£23.8m] for me,"

"I had the boss on the phone. He motivated me and said the club really wanted me. I knew that I was coming here to learn.

"Was it weird when PSG and Arsenal were also interested? [Atletico are] still the champions of Spain!

"I needed a club like that and a coach like Diego Simeone to progress. I always demands intensity in training. That's my style and I like it."

Arsene Wenger might be trying to pick up phone call lessons from Diego now.

#1 Wears Spongebob Squarepants underwear

Griezmann underwear
The garment under the shorts

One of the more peculiar sightings during his days at Real Sociedad was his choice of innerwear. Now we won't judge someone basis their personal clothing but certainly wearing Spongebob Squarepants underwear isn't something you would expect a grown man to do.

Griezmann though has been seen with the bright coloured inner clothing in many other matches as well, though we are sure he did not want to be seen in them. It is rumoured that these 'shorts' are his lucky charm and he only wear them on matchdays. It certainly seems to work for the French forward, his performances for Sociedad caught the eye of many clubs and he finally signed with Atletico for a huge amount.

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