Our unity led us to the trophy, says Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann said the French team’s unity, despite different racial and cultural backgrounds, was the reason behind the team winning its second World Cup title.

Published : Jul 16, 2018 01:16 IST

Antoine Griezmann had scored from the spot with a perfect finish into the left corner to give France a 2-1 lead against Croatia in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Antoine Griezmann, still drenched in the confetti, champagne and the rain that accompanied France’s FIFA World Cup trophy presentation, gave a glowing account of the team’s unity, despite different racial and cultural backgrounds, as the reason behind the team’s success in adding a second star to its lapel.

“I am very proud of this team and the entire support staff. We were a really united group and that strength helped us to make history. We are going to party with family and friends and tomorrow we will party with the French people,” Griezmann, who scored the second goal of the match, said.

READ: Les Blues crowned World Champions, beat Croatia 4-2 in final

“There are (people of) different origins (in France) but we are united and that’s the France we love. It’s the same for the team. We are from different backgrounds but as soon as we wear the jersey we play for each other and the nation,” he said.

Not ready to be drawn in the Ballon d’Or debate, which has been a duopoly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi since 2007, the Atletico Madrid striker said, “People are voting for Ballon D’Or still and let’s see what happens. I want to win the European Cup with my club but at the moment and the rest is not in my hands.”