Antoine Griezmann has clarified his decision to remain with Atletico Madrid despite ongoing speculation about a potential move to MLS club Orlando City. The French forward confirmed his commitment to the club, which he is contracted to until June 2027, as he aims to solidify his legacy as a key figure in the club's history. Griezmann addressed the rumors during a post-match interview following Atletico Madrid’s 5-2 Champions League victory over Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored and assisted. He emphasized his satisfaction with his current role, stating, “I’m really good here, enjoying myself a lot. What I do on the pitch speaks for me by itself. We’ll see, but the idea is to stay until the end, and then others can speak.” His focus remains on contributing to the team’s success under manager Diego Simeone. Orlando City’s interest in Griezmann has been well-documented, with sporting director Ricardo Moreira reportedly traveling to Spain multiple times to discuss a potential transfer. However, Atletico’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, swiftly dismissed the rumors, reaffirming Griezmann’s dedication to the club. The MLS team now faces a prolonged wait, as Griezmann’s contract ties him to Atletico until 2027, with the club’s priority transfer window closing on March 26. The Frenchman’s decision is driven by his desire to win major trophies, particularly the Copa del Rey. Atletico is set to face Real Sociedad in the final on April 18, and Griezmann expressed his ambition to achieve “something big” with the team. His refusal to pursue a mid-season move underscores his commitment to the club’s objectives. Orlando City’s rejection of Griezmann marks a significant setback for the MLS team, which currently has the worst record in the league.#atletico_madrid #diego_simeone #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann #ricardo_moreira
Orlando City Aims for Second Straight Win on Road Against Nashville SC Orlando City, which secured its first victory under interim head coach Martin Perelman in its previous match, now faces a challenging road test against Nashville SC, a top-tier team in Major League Soccer. The Lions, currently sitting at 1-3-0 with three points, will take on Nashville at Geodis Park on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. The matchup presents an opportunity for Orlando to extend its winning streak and build momentum. Midfielder Braian Ojeda emphasized the team’s focus on improvement and positivity following their recent win. “We’ve been doing all the things that we have to do right now to try and get better,” he said. “We’re riding a high after that win, and we have to take that positivity forward. We’re doing everything this week to go into Nashville, try and take another victory, and keep doing what we’re doing to string together some wins.” Nashville SC, ranked among the league’s best teams, enters the game with a slight disadvantage after a grueling match against Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday. Key attackers like Cristian Espinoza and Sam Surridge, who played full 90 minutes against Miami, are likely to be rested for the encounter against Orlando. This could provide Orlando with a tactical edge, particularly given their struggles on defense. The Lions have conceded a league-worst 11 goals in their first four games, a concern that will be tested against Nashville’s formidable defense, which has allowed just two goals this season. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake, a standout performer, has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s defensive solidity.#nashville_sc #cristian_espinoza #orlando_city #martin_perelman #braian_ojeda
