UCL: Why Henry bemoaned Griezmann’s luck after forward’s heroics against Inter
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Thierry Henry extolled Antoine Griezmann's admirable performance against Inter Milan before ruing the 2018 World Cup winner’s luck at Atletico Madrid (Credit: Imago)

UCL: Why Henry bemoaned Griezmann’s luck after forward’s heroics against Inter

Seye Omidiora 08:11 - 14.03.2024

The Arsenal icon extolled the Frenchman’s admirable performance against the Nerazzurri on Wednesday night before ruing the 2018 World Cup winner’s luck at Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal’s record goalscorer Thierry Henry commended Antoine Griezmann for his performance in Atletico Madrid’s Champions League last-16 win over Inter Milan at Civitas Metropolitano on Wednesday.

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Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan

The Frenchman levelled on the night two minutes after Federico Dimarco put the Italians 1-0 up in the 33rd minute in Madrid and 2-0 on aggregate. But the forward’s strike meant there was an immediate response from Diego Simeone’s men.

It was the 2018 World Cup winner’s first game for Atletico since the reverse fixture in Milan, where the 32-year-old lasted 78 minutes before going off with an injury. Griezmann lasted longer on Wednesday night, even if he seemingly went off with another issue in the 105th minute during extra time.

Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann netted an immediate equaliser for Atletico Madrid against Inter on Wednesday (Credit: Imago/Newscom World)

What Henry said about Griezmann after Atletico’s Champions League progress

Responding to Kate Abdo’s question about the forward’s performance on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage, Henry commended his countryman’s showing and continued consistency for Los Colchoneros before bemoaning the 32-year-old’s luck at the club.

“We talk about him so many times, his understanding of the game, how clever he is on the ball and how he sees the game,” said Henry on CBS Sports. “We talked the other day about him passing Luis Aragones to be the all-time goalscorer of Atleti.

“The only thing, and it’s very unfortunate for him, is every time he leaves, they win. It’s just unfortunate because he’s managed to win the French national team, and I’m sure he’s never won the title there. When you think about Atleti, you think about Simeone, Griezmann and Godin. Griezmann is definitely a guy they will always remember. He loves the club.”

While Griezmann was part of the Atletico side to win the Spanish Super Cup in 2014, the Europa League in 2018 and that year's UEFA Super Cup, the France international had not joined the club in their 2013-14 LaLiga triumph and was a Barcelona player when the Madrid outfit claimed the league title again in 2020-21.

What comes next for Griezmann and Atletico Madrid after Champions League progress?

Simeone’s men wait for Friday's draw to know their quarter-final opponents in the Champions League.

Atletico return to LaLiga action this weekend when they take on host fellow European quarter-finalists Barcelona at the Metropolitano on March 17 before the international break.