One of Atletico Madrid's biggest stars has more reason than most to want to knock Arsenal out of the Champions League semi-finals
07:30, 29 Apr 2026
Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid reacts from the players' bench ahead of the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Levante UD at Riyadh Air Metropolitano
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Atletico Madrid's Champions League semi-final against Arsenal will be more personal for Antoine Griezmann(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
A Champions League semi-final against Arsenalcarries added significance for Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman has previously disclosed his long-standing grievance with the Gunners, stretching back well before Wednesday's European clash.
The Atletico Madrid talisman will play a pivotal role in Diego Simeone's plans as Atleti aim to reach this season's continental showpiece. Mikel Arteta's side are the only obstacle between Griezmann and a second Champions League final appearance.
Yet it was Arsene Wenger at the helm when the possibility of Griezmann moving to north London first emerged. The attacker was still impressing at Real Sociedad when he learnt of Arsenal's interest, only to be left frustrated by the English club's hesitation.
Griezmann, 35, detailed in his 2017 autobiography how former Arsenal player and scout Gilles Grimandi had been in touch with his then-agent, Eric Olhats. It subsequently became apparent, however, that the future World Cup-winner may have been led on.
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"I waited, I waited, and I kept waiting," he wrote in 'Behind the Smile'. "When there was no news, Eric called Grimandi, who said that the manager was still interested in me [and] to keep waiting.
"Finally a few hours before the market closed, he let us know Arsenal would not make a move. I don't like to be told something and for it not to happen. So when Eric told me later that the London club were interested again I told him 'Forget it, after the blow they gave us'."
Antoine Griezmann of Real Sociedad looks on during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Camp Nou
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Griezmann was just emerging as a world-class star at Real Sociedad when he received word Arsenal were interested(Image: Getty Images)
The incident evidently left a bitter impression on Griezmann and permanently soured his view of Arsenal. He'll now have an opportunity for retribution when the two sides clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Not that the former Ballon d'Or contender is likely to harbour any regrets about how his career has unfolded, despite never arriving at the Emirates. Griezmann is poised to leave Atletico for Major League Soccer outfit Orlando City at the conclusion of this campaign and will depart with legendary status intact.
He'll exit as the club's record goalscorer, having amassed 212 goals and 98 assists from 494 total appearances in red and white. Griezmann has helped the side claim the Europa League, reach Champions League and Copa del Rey finals, while also lifting the World Cup during his first spell at the club.
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That's before considering a somewhat disappointing stint with Barcelona, while also accumulating 137 caps for France and netting 44 goals in the process. Only Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142) have represented Les Bleus more, while only Olivier Giroud (57), Kylian Mbappe (56) and Thierry Henry (51) boast more goals.
Quite the career trajectory for a player who reportedly couldn't even secure a callback from the Gunners over a decade ago. And Griezmann has a golden opportunity to further cement his legacy should he help Atletico knock Arsenal out of the Champions League.