Orlando City have confirmed the signing of French forward Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
The 35-year-old will see out the rest of the season with Atletico before embarking on his adventure in Major League Soccer following the World Cup in July.
It brings an end to Griezmann’s wonderful career in Spain. He has scored 298 goals and contributed 132 assists across 792 professional appearances with Atlético, Barcelona and Real Sociedad.
“Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and for Major League Soccer,” said Mark Wilf, Orlando City SC owner and chairman.
“He is one of the most gifted, accomplished and influential players of his generation, and his decision to choose Orlando City reflects the mission and culture of our club. Our focus is on consistently building a championship-caliber roster every year, and adding a world-class player like Antoine reinforces that commitment and our belief in what the club can achieve.”
Griezmann hoping to sign off from Atletico with Copa success
Griezmann played a key role in France’s World Cup success in 2018 and has also won the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa del Rey. He will hope to add to that list when Atleti face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final on April 18.
Griezmann will join Orlando as a Designated Player when Major League Soccer’s secondary transfer window opens.
“Antoine is a complete footballer – creative, intelligent, clinical – and he is a proven winner on the biggest stages of the game,” said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC GM and sporting director.
“Beyond his talent, he brings leadership, a relentless drive and a championship mentality that will elevate everyone around him. This is a statement signing for our club and ownership group, and we are thrilled to welcome Antoine and his family to Orlando.”
Griezmann excited by Orlando opportunity
Griezmann had long-since earmarked the US as the place he wanted to end his career.
He said: “I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City. From my first conversations with the club, I could feel a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future, and that really spoke to me. I look forward to making Orlando my new home, meeting the supporters, feeling the energy at Inter&Co Stadium, and giving everything I have to help the team achieve great things.”
Griezmann will join an Orlando outfit that has endured a difficult start to the season with coach Oscar Parejo sacked after six years in charge.
Parejo was fired after a 5-0 defeat to New York City on March 7. His assistant Martin Perelman took charge but, despite an opening win over Montreal, Orlando were beaten 5-0 by Nashville at the weekend.
