Antoine Griezmann's Award Snub Disappoints Atletico Boss Simeone
A second-place finish in LaLiga, a World Cup title and more made Antoine Griezmann "the best last season" according to his Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is baffled as to why his star man Antoine Griezmann has been overlooked in the Best FIFA awards.
Simeone was also quizzed on Griezmann, who over the past four months has become a World Cup winner with France and helped Atleti to Europa League and Super Cup glory.
And Simeone was disappointed to see his star man's achievements overlooked.
"He hasn't had an explanation - World Cup winner, Super Cup, Europa League, second in LaLiga, best player in the [World Cup] final," he added.
"In this past year, he was the best in the world. It is a pity. We do not underestimate ourselves to think that it is because he plays for Atletico, it will be a lack of imagination of people who choose.
"Obviously it disappoints a little. But it's clear that Griezmann was the best last season."
In June, Griezmann signed a new deal with Atleti through to 2023 despite reported interest from Barcelona, a move Simeone insists he never expected to happen.
"I swear on my kids that I never saw us losing him," he said. "I never saw him at Barcelona. I always felt like he would stay."
Jan Oblak is another Atleti star who has been snubbed for big individual prizes, missing out on the nominees for goalkeeper in the FIFPro World 11 awards.
Simeone was asked about Oblak and insists former Atleti loanee Thibaut Courtois, who joined rivals Madrid from Chelsea in the last window, would not get in his team.
"Oblak is the best and at least in the top three keepers in the world," Simeone insisted. "Courtois would not be a starter at Atletico. Oblak is better."