Forward to switch to the North American club after finishing the current season with Atletico
Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann will join MLS side Orlando City after the club confirmed they had completed a deal for the 35-year-old.
Griezmann has played at the high level in Europe for years with Atletico and Barcelona but has become the latest star to join the developing league in North America. Griezmann has signed a two-year-deal at the club but will not join them until he has finished the current season with Atletico.
“I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,” Griezmann said in a statement. “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.”
At 35 Griezmann is still delivering at a high level, having produced 13 goals and four assists so far this season for Diego Simeone’s side. In his career, he has scored 298 goals and contributed 132 assists across 792 professional appearances with Atletico, Barcelona and Real Sociedad.
The France international has won some of the highest prizes in European football, including the Uefa Super Cup, Europa League and Spanish Super Cup with Atletico, the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, and the World Cup and Uefa Nations League with France.
A move to Orlando could have happened much earlier in February, but it was delayed by Atletico’s progression to the Copa del Rey final, as Griezmann would be needed and was also keen to secure the trophy before leaving. Atletico play Real Sociedad in the final on 18 April.
Orlando City owner Mark Wilf said the move showed the club’s desire to climb to the highest positions of the sport.
“Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and for Major League Soccer,” Wilf said. “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.”
Sporting director Ricardo Moreira said the player would be bringing not only technical qualities but also a high-level mentality.
“Antoine is a complete footballer, creative, intelligent, clinical, and he is a proven winner on the biggest stages of the game,” Moreira said.
“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.”
