Orlando City have confirmed the signing of French ahead Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
The 35-year-old will see out the remainder of the season with Atletico earlier than embarking on his journey in Main League Soccer following the World Cup in July.
It brings an finish to Griezmann’s great profession in Spain. He has scored 298 targets and contributed 132 assists throughout 792 skilled appearances with Atlético, Barcelona and Actual Sociedad.
“Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark second not just for our membership, however for our metropolis, our supporters and for Main League Soccer,” stated Mark Wilf, Orlando Metropolis SC proprietor and chairman.
“He is among the most gifted, achieved and influential gamers of his era, and his determination to decide on Orlando Metropolis displays the mission and tradition of our membership. Our focus is on constantly constructing a championship-caliber roster yearly, and including a world-class participant like Antoine reinforces that dedication and our perception in what the membership can obtain.”
Griezmann hoping to log off from Atletico with Copa success
Griezmann performed a key position in France’s World Cup success in 2018 and has additionally gained the Europa League, UEFA Tremendous Cup and Copa del Rey. He’ll hope so as to add to that listing when Atleti face Actual Sociedad within the Copa del Rey ultimate on April 18.
Griezmann will be part of Orlando as a Designated Participant when Main League Soccer’s secondary switch window opens.
“Antoine is an entire footballer – artistic, clever, scientific – and he’s a confirmed winner on the most important phases of the sport,” stated Ricardo Moreira, Orlando Metropolis SC GM and sporting director.
“Past his expertise, he brings management, a relentless drive and a championship mentality that may elevate everybody round him. This can be a assertion signing for our membership and possession group, and we’re thrilled to welcome Antoine and his household to Orlando.”
Griezmann excited by Orlando alternative
Griezmann had long-since earmarked the US because the place he needed to finish his profession.
He stated: “I’m very excited to start this subsequent chapter of my profession with Orlando Metropolis. From my first conversations with the membership, I might really feel a powerful ambition and a transparent imaginative and prescient for the long run, and that actually spoke to me. I look ahead to making Orlando my new residence, assembly the supporters, feeling the vitality at Inter&Co Stadium, and giving every thing I’ve to assist the group obtain nice issues.”
Griezmann will be part of an Orlando outfit that has endured a tough begin to the season with coach Oscar Parejo sacked after six years in cost.
Parejo was fired after a 5-0 defeat to New York Metropolis on March 7. His assistant Martin Perelman took cost however, regardless of a gap win over Montreal, Orlando were beaten 5-0 by Nashville at the weekend.
