Antoine Griezmann has decided to reveal one of the best-kept secrets of the last transfer window: his personal role in Julián Álvarez’s move to Atlético de Madrid. The Frenchman, a cornerstone of the rojiblanco club, admitted that he exchanged several private messages with the Argentine striker to convince him to leave Manchester City and join Diego Simeone’s project.

Messages, persistence and a signing that reshaped Atlético’s attack

The arrival of Álvarez in 2024 was already viewed as a strategic move, but now it’s clear that the operation went beyond negotiations between clubs. According to Griezmann, he personally decided to text the former River Plate forward to explain what playing for Atlético truly meant.

The club paid close to 95 million euros for the Argentine, an investment that proved highly successful: 38 goals and 12 assists in his first 72 matches, with a debut season that nearly reached historic numbers for a newcomer in LaLiga.

Griezmann explained that during conversations with the club, he felt he could influence the striker’s decision. “I knew they were doing everything to sign him, so I sent him a long message telling him what Atleti means, what Cholo is like, what life is like in the dressing room,” he said. He even admitted texting him more than once until he finally got the answer he was hoping for: Álvarez accepted the challenge.

The Argentine’s arrival coincided with a natural transition for Griezmann within the team. The Frenchman has taken on a more flexible role in Simeone’s system, alternating positions and minutes without losing influence in the squad. His leadership, along with his contract renewal until 2027, shows he remains a pillar of Atlético’s new era.

Competition, leadership and a future that continues to spark debate

Griezmann insisted that playing alongside Álvarez only raises the team’s competitive ceiling. “The more star players we have, the better for everyone. It gives us more chances to win,” he said. He also highlighted the group’s chemistry and the importance of maintaining a strong atmosphere to maximize performance.

The Frenchman also spoke about adapting to a role with fewer guaranteed starts and emphasized the need for professionalism: “I always want to play, but I understand my responsibility. I have to set an example and show the coach that I’m ready.”

Despite his strong commitment to Atlético and his desire to continue building his legacy, Griezmann doesn’t hide that MLS remains a long-term dream. For now, though, his priority is to remain a key figure for a team aiming to regain prominence in Spain and Europe, with Álvarez as the new attacking reference and Griezmann as an indispensable leader on and off the pitch.