Antoine Griezmann’s whirlwind Orlando stop, contract signed before swift return to Atlético | OneFootball

Antoine Griezmann spent a little over 24 hours in Orlando, signing a two-year contract with an optional extra season before flying back to Madrid to finish the campaign with Atlético. The 2018 World Cup winner’s deal takes effect this summer.

According to L'Équipe, the forward left by private plane on Sunday night, shortly after the 3-2 match between Real Madrid and Atlético, travelling with his wife Erika and his lawyer, Sevan Karian. His sister Maud was already in the city to help prepare his arrival, and club representatives received him on Monday.

At the Inter & Co Stadium, interim head coach Martín Perelman and the communications team led introductions and a swift tour. Owner Mark Wilf and sporting director Ricardo Moreira hosted breakfast in a box overlooking the pitch. Conversation turned to American sport, with the Wilf family also owning the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and Griezmann a Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Paperwork followed. Griezmann, 35, will earn an estimated €15 million per year at Orlando. Apple TV, global broadcaster of the North American league, staged his first interview as the club filmed photos and videos to release through to his arrival in July.

The group then headed downtown for lunch, where he kept a low profile and posed for surprised supporters. Later he visited the training centre, meeting Perelman again and captain Robin Jansson. By Tuesday morning he was back in Madrid to resume training with Atlético.

Source: L'Équipe