Persistence pays off as Antoine Griezmann finally reveals more on his footballing future

Antoine Griezmann was toasty for Atletico Madrid before the turn of the year. Right now, the Frenchman is on fire.

On Sunday, Griezmann bagged his 16th goal of the season as he turned in the winner against Celta Vigo. Throw in another eight assists and you can see how valuable he has been for Atleti this season. https://youtu.be/rK_02yddFyI Griezmann has been subject to fierce speculation about his future and it matters not a jot to many that he signed a new contract - for higher wages and containing a greater release clause - ahead of Euro 2016. The 25-year-old is pretty adept in handling questions on his future, so it was no surprise to read his dead-bat comments on the FIFA website. He said:

"I feel great at the club and in Madrid. On a personal level I’m very happy, and in football terms we’re about to move to a new stadium, which is very important. "We’ll just have to see what the future brings, but for now I’m very happy here and I hope to win trophies with this club."

Straight and true there but French broadcasters RMC did not let Griezmann off so lightly. He praised the intensity of the Premier League and how the referees let the game flow more but stated that La Liga was his preferred league. That did not cut it so some clubs were put to him - Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United. Griezmann responded:

"In Barcelona, they already have their trident up front. Madrid, I couldn't go because of club. I think they have a pact or something like that. "I'm not really attracted by Germany. France? Not right now. England? I have doubts about my private life. And you know, the weather... I like to be happy outside."

Persistence paying off there for RMC. Perhaps those United fans that were giving him the No.7 jersey after Memphis Depay left for Lyon may have been getting ahead of themselves.