REVEALED: Why Antoine Griezmann Wore A Uruguay Flag After France World Cup Win
By Harry DeCosemo, Sports Reporter
July 17, 2018
France star Antoine Griezmann caused quite a stir in his post-World Cup final news conference by wearing a Uruguay flag, but he has explained why.
The Atlético Madrid striker netted four goals in the tournament, including a penalty in the final against Croatia, but it was his strike against Uruguay in the quarter finals that caught the most attention.
Griezmann admits he had mixed feelings about his goal that day, and said he still harbours love for the country he grew up supporting due to mentors Martin Lasarte and Carlos Bueno.
“I didn’t celebrate because when I started as a professional I was supported by a Uruguayan who taught me the good and the bad in football and I have a lot of respect for Uruguay,” he said.
“I was also playing against friends, so I thought it was normal not to celebrate.”
Those friends were Atleti teammates Diego Godin and Jose Giménez, and he suggested there were similarities between club and country.
“They’re a tough team, like Atletico Madrid. Everyone works hard in attack and defence. It’s something I see day in day out and I love Uruguayans and Uruguayan culture, so I have a lot of respect for them.”
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