France forward Antoine Griezmann is set to risk angering Uruguayan stars by wearing boots donning flags of both nations.
Griezmann has previously stated his closeness to the Celeste, having formed tight friendships with Uruguayan players and coaches during his club career.
Why is Griezmann likely to antagonise Uruguayan stars? Five key things to know…
- Before France played Uruguay at the World Cup in Russia, Griezmann admitted he felt Uruguayan.
- As a result, the forward refused to celebrate after scoring in France’s 2-0 win.
- This angered Uruguayan players, such as Luis Suarez, who felt he had no to claim Uruguay heritage.
- But now Griezmann is set to wear boots donning an image of mate tea with the France and Uruguay flags for the upcoming friendly.
- Griezmann was involved in both goals during France’s 2-0 win over Uruguay, scoring one and assisting one.
Mate tea, depicted on Griezmann’s boots, is a traditional drink in South America made from dried leaves of the yerba mate, a holly tree native to the continent, and is renowned for its ability to rejuvenate and provide focus.
Posting a picture of the boots on his Twitter account, Griezmann wrote: “A special pair for a special match for me.”
Paire spéciale pour un match spécial pour moi
@pumafootball pic.twitter.com/SJXfPXmMRN
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) November 19, 2018
After helping France knock Uruguay out of the World Cup, Griezmann would go on to play a big role as Les Bleus won the trophy in Russia.
Despite a positive start to life as world champions, France failed to reach the final four of the Uefa Nations League, finishing second in League A1 behind the Netherlands due to an inferior head-to-head record.
Luis Suarez is not a fan of Griezmann’s half-Uruguayan claims
The World Cup was a time filled with emotions for many players as they gave their all to try and help their nations progress through the tournament.
And, speaking after Uruguay’s 2-0 defeat to France in which Griezmann scored, Barcelona forward Luis Suarez admitted his problems with the Atletico man’s claims of being half-Uruguayan.
“He’s not Uruguayan, he’s French and he scored a goal,” he told reporters at the time.
Recessions in neighbouring South American nations Brazil and Argentina created an economic crisis in Uruguay in 2002 and Suarez has previously spoken of how he grew up in a “lower class” family.
With a population of 3.4 million, what’s more, there is perhaps no team in international football that punches above its weight quite like Uruguay, the winner of two Olympic gold medals and as many World Cup titles (1930 and 1950).
Suarez added: “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.”
Griezmann’s love of Uruguay stems from being mentored by Martin Lasarte and Real Sociedad and his friendship with Atletico teammate Diego Godin.
Speaking after he refused to celebrate scoring against Uruguay, Griezmann explained: “I didn’t celebrate because when I started as a professional I was supported by a Uruguayan who taught me the good and the bad in football and I have a lot of respect for Uruguay.
“I was also playing against friends, so I thought it was normal not to celebrate.”
The post France striker Antoine Griezmann risks annoying Uruguay stars with new boots appeared first on Squawka News.
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