Antoine Griezmann has revealed that he did not celebrate his goal against Uruguay, which booked France’s place in the World Cup semi-finals, out of respect for his Atletico Madrid teammates.
“I did not want to celebrate on the pitch”
KAZAN, RUSSIA – JUNE 16: Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann of France celebrate victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between France and Australia at Kazan Arena on June 16, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old scored France’s second goal against the South Americans and opted for a muted celebration with Madrid’s Diego Godin and Jose Giminez playing for the opposition.
The French national team will now face Belgium on Tuesday in Saint Petersburg competing for a place in the World Cup final.
Griezmann told TF1:
“I did not want to celebrate on the pitch – I am very happy, but also sad for my (Atletico) teammates.
“It was my first time against Uruguay, so there was plenty of emotion.
“I was also playing against friends, so out of respect I thought it was normal to not celebrate my goal.
On Fernando Muslera’s mistake for his goal, Griezmann added:
“Was it hard for me to see the goalkeeper make a mistake? No, because it helped my team.
“Whatever he meant to do, it worked out for France.”
Suarez rejects
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA – JULY 06: Kylian Mbappe of France lies on the pitch injured while Uruguay and France players argue during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Uruguay and France at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on July 6, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez has rejected the Frenchman’s respect, stating that he does not understand the nation’s culture.
Suarez said:
“He’s not Uruguayan, he’s French and he scored a goal.
“He doesn’t know what we have to do to succeed in football.
“He will have his customs and his Uruguayan way of speaking, but we feel differently.”
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