French forward, Antoine Griezmann believes that he is yet to reach the level of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Real Sociedad player’s stock has risen incredibly over the last year or so, and many now claim that he could break the duopoly of the Argentine and the Portuguese superstars.
Also Read: Manchester United transfer rumour: Manchester United want to sign Antoine Griezmann to replace Wayne Rooney
However, speaking to Eurosport, the Euro 2016 Golden Boot winner is of the opinion that in order to be considered on par with the former Manchester United winger and Barcelona’s talismanic number 10, he needs to win trophies with his teams.
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Not at Messi and Ronaldo’s level, yet: Griezmann
"I do not feel like I am on par with Messi and Ronaldo yet. I need to win trophies to match them. I try to help my team and country as good as possible to do just that," Griezmann told Eurosport.
“My aim is to help my club and the French team to go as far as they can and to improve on what we achieved last year. For the first time in my career, I scored seven goals in the month of September when I normally just chalk one or two. I aim to maintain this level.”
Griezmann praises Simeone
The French forward also said that he feels proud when club boss, Diego Simeone, considers him to be destined for greater heights. He also stated that El Cholo motivates him to get better.
"I felt really proud when Simeone said I am destined to reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo. I always want to give my all for him. I am happy my coach thinks I can match them.”
"Simeone has completely transformed me, he motivates me and I'm delighted to have him as coach. I'm playing in a more central role and it's fascinating to learn from him and his views on the game."
"I want to improve on what I did last season. I am on the right track and I hope to keep this up.”
Also Read: Antoine Griezmann responds to Ribery's claim of him not being "world class"
The popularity of Real Madrid and Barcelona is such that despite winning the league title in 2014, Atletico Madrid are still overshadowed by the big two of Spain. However, that doesn’t bother Griezmann as he is here to do the talking on the pitch.
"Barca and Real Madrid generate more headlines and each year we manage to compete well with them. Last season after 36 games we were tied on points with Barça and reached the final of the Champions League".
Not worried about the Ballon d’Or
Finally, speaking about the Ballon d’Or, the French international claimed that he doesn’t really lose his sleep on it at night and that it is up to the journalists to decide.
"The Ballon d'Or? It's up to the journalists to vote. I do not go to bed every night thinking about it. I just try to do my best and score as many goals as possible."
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