Antoine Griezmann insists he deserves to be in Ballon d’Or top three after World Cup heroics
Atletico Madrid striker hit four goals for France as they won World Cup, including a penalty in the final against Croatia
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN reckons he should be named in the Ballon d’Or top three.
The Atletico Madrid striker made the podium two years ago with Lionel Messi and winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 27-year-old World Cup winner believes being named as one of the best three players on the planet this year after winning the World Cup is the least he deserves.
Griezmann, who hit four goals at the finals, came third in the Golden Ball voting in Russia behind Eden Hazard and winner Luka Modric.
And now he insists his 23 goals for Los Rojiblancos and helping Diego Simeone’s side win the Europa League and European Super Cup helps his cause.
Griezmann told L’Equipe: “I deserve to be in the top three.
“That year (2016), I lost two finals, this year I’ve won three, so normally…”
The striker revealed his surprise he or none of his World Cup-winning team-mates made the Fifa Best Men’s player of the Year award.
He continued: “It’s weird and a pity.
“This is a trophy that’s awarded by FIFA, right? We won a World Cup and there’s no Frenchman on the shortlist. That’s the choice, but it’s surprising.”
Griezmann then jokingly turned his attention to international team-mate Kylian Mbappe who did not include him in a shortlist of his Ballon d’Or favourites following the World Cup.
He said: “Maybe it was an oversight!?”
“You’d have to ask him again. Maybe he doesn’t like my football? Everyone has their opinions.”
In the last two years Griezmann, who moved to Madrid in 2014 has snubbed moves to Manchester United and Barcelona to stay in the Spanish capital.