Griezmann avoids French media interaction

Antoine Griezmann has been avoiding interactions with French media since joining Major League Soccer (MLS). During a visit to Orlando to observe the "Grizimania" phenomenon, representatives from Téléfoot tried to speak with him, but he ended the conversation, telling the camera, "Sorry, but I no longer want to speak to anyone. It's not against anyone."

Former player comments on Griezmann's media relations

Jérôme Rothen, a former Paris Saint-Germain player, discussed Griezmann's behavior on his program on RMC. Rothen noted that Griezmann had never been a big fan of the media, saying, "He was never a great communicator, he never gave great interviews, he didn't like it."

Griezmann's loyalty to France despite Spanish roots

Rothen also highlighted Griezmann's strong connection to the French national team, despite his career being primarily built in Spain. He said, "He is someone who has always put France first, yet he grew up and was trained in Spain. But he has always been very proud to wear the France team shirt... and brilliantly so."

Rothen laments Griezmann's current relationship with France

Rothen expressed sadness over Griezmann's current relationship with France, saying, "I find it so sad to see the relationship he has with France today. Here, we should make a statue of him," and he directed his comments toward certain personalities in French football, including "politicians who represent us in the French Football Federation."

Factors behind Griezmann's international retirement

Rothen discussed the circumstances of Griezmann's international retirement, announced on September 30, 2024. He suggested several factors may have contributed to the decision, including his positioning on the field, the loss of the captain's armband to Kylian Mbappé, and the emergence of a new generation of players.

Criticism of Griezmann's abrupt departure and lack of response

Rothen expressed regret over Griezmann's abrupt departure, saying, "He left as if nothing had happened, he slammed the door one day to the next and then it's normal," and he criticized the lack of reaction from football institutions. He called on responsible parties in French football to directly contact Griezmann, saying, "Take a plane and go see him. Go explain yourself to him, for God's sake!"