Antoine Griezmann has enjoyed a stellar 2015/16 season, and although he endured heartbreak on two occasions, he racked up impressive individual records.
The Atletico Madrid superstar helped his team to the Champions League final last campaign; hde then guided France to the Euro 2016 final later that summer. Despite suffering defeats in both games, the Frenchman believes he did enough to merit winning the UEFA Best Player award.
Antoine, after winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Shoe accolades at the European Championship, got named in the final three-man shortlist alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, beating out the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Having dumped out the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from the award race, Griezmann is confident he should also get the better of Portugal captain and Real Madrid’s Welsh ace. Speaking to 24sata (as per Goal), he said:
"I am proud to be a finalist, that means I am on the right track and have to continue that way.
"I don't want to sound arrogant, but I deserve this award because I've had a great season with both club and the national team.
"It has been unforgettable season, first in the Champions League with Atleti, then Euros with France.
"Unfortunately, we didn't win a trophy and it was a blow for us, as well for our fans."
The 25-year-old former Real Sociedad ace missed Los Rojiblancos’ opening game of the season through suspension, but is expected to return to Diego Simeone’s starting eleven in time for Matchday 2.
The winner for the UEFA Best Player in Europe award will be chosen on Thursday, August 25.
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