Griezmann Parks the MLS Limo: Stays Put for Atleti's Trophy Hunt!

Picture this: Antoine Griezmann, the French wizard who's netted 210 goals for Atlético Madrid, was all set to swap the Madrid sun for Florida beaches with Orlando City. But nah, mate – he's hit the brakes. As reported by Gustavo Hofman and Rodrigo Faez at ESPN Spain, the 34-year-old has shelved that MLS dream to chase silverware with the Rojiblancos.

It was looking tasty last week, with talks buzzing about a move before the MLS window slammed shut on March 26. Orlando dangled a carrot, but only for now – they knew summer might bring flashier options. Yet, Atleti's march to the Copa del Rey final flipped the script.

Epic Copa Comeback and Final Fever

Let's rewind to that Copa del Rey semi-final thriller. Atlético got tonked 3-0 by Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the second leg, but thanks to a blistering 4-0 first-leg romp, they snuck through on aggregate. Now, they're off to the final on April 18 against either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club.

Griezmann's not missing that party. He's trophy-less under Diego Simeone despite his legend status – remember, he was off at Barça when Atleti nabbed La Liga in 2021. Sources say the gaffer and the board are dead keen on giving him a proper send-off, trophy in hand.

Director of football Mateu Alemany chipped in post-Champions League draw: "Antoine has this season and two more years on his deal, and he's bang up for what's ahead." And Simeone? The man's a poet: "He's earned the right to pick his path." Classy, innit?

Teammates Toasting, Orlando Left Hanging

The Atleti dressing room's buzzing with respect. Skipper Koke shrugged to the press: "We'd love him to bow out here, but it's his call." Marcos Llorente backed that up – "Whatever he chooses, we're solid." Even keeper Juan Musso gushed: "Grateful forever for what he's given us."

Meanwhile, Orlando City's dreams are on ice till summer (July 13 window). They've got to scout elsewhere before deadline day. And for Griezmann, there's extra spice: the Champions League last-16 clash with Tottenham – first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano on March, return in London on March 18.

Julien Laurens from ESPN reckons this keeps the forward's focus razor-sharp. No distractions, just pure Atlético grit. Simeone even slipped in: "I hope he plays the final; he deserves it more than anyone."

Is this the start of Griezmann's fairy-tale ending? Or just buying time till 2027 contract's end? One thing's sure – the lad's got unfinished business in Spain. While MLS fans drown their sorrows with key lime pie, we'll be glued to Atleti's double-dip dreams. What a saga, eh? Fancy a pint to toast the drama?