Griezmann Puts MLS Move on Snooze: Atleti's Copa Dream Keeps Him in the Fold

Fancy a pint and a natter about Antoine Griezmann? The French maestro, Atlético Madrid's all-time top scorer with 210 goals, had us all buzzing last week with whispers of a blockbuster switch to Orlando City in the MLS. But hold your horses – that Stateside adventure's been parked for now, all thanks to Atleti's gritty march to the Copa del Rey final.

Sources close to the action, as reported by Gustavo Hofman and Rodrigo Faez at ESPN Spain, reveal Griezmann shelved the move after his side sneaked into the final on April 18. Orlando's cheeky offer was time-sensitive, tied to the MLS window slamming shut on March 26. No dice, though – Griezzy's sticking around for at least this season.

Copa Heartbreak and Heroics

Let's rewind to the drama. Atleti shipped a 3-0 tonking to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at the Camp Nou. Ouch. Yet, they still edged through on aggregate, setting up a mouthwatering final against either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club. Talk about living on the edge – classic Simeone stuff.

That resilience flipped the script on Griezmann's future. The 34-year-old forward, contracted until 2027, was tempted by Orlando's one-off deal. They knew the summer MLS window (kicking off July 13) might bring bigger fish sniffing around. But with Atleti dreaming of silverware, why bail now?

Diego Simeone and the board are all-in on giving their talisman a proper send-off. Sources say they're pushing for him to chase that elusive major trophy under the gaffer – something Griezmann hasn't nabbed yet despite his legendary status at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Simeone's Subtle Nod and Champions League Twist

Cholo Simeone didn't mince words last week. "Antoine's in a spot where he can pick his path," he shrugged, after the Champions League last-16 draw lobbed Tottenham into Atleti's path. First leg at the Metropolitano in March, return in London on the 18th. High stakes all round.

Director of football Mateu Alemany echoed the sentiment: Griezmann's locked in for this campaign and beyond, eyes on the prizes. Simeone added he's done yakking about it – we all know how vital the Frenchman is. No need to belabour the point when your record goal machine's still pulling strings.

Griezmann's loyalty shines through. Despite the MLS glamour – beaches, sunshine, less intense scraps – he's bought into one more crack at glory with his beloved Atleti. Imagine lifting that Copa del Rey; it'd be the fairy-tale ending before any Hollywood move.

What's Next for Griezzy and the Colchoneros?

This saga's far from over. Summer could bring fresh suitors, but for now, Atleti fans can breathe easy. Griezmann's focus is laser-sharp: domestic cup glory, a Champions League run against Spurs, and maybe sneaking back into the La Liga title chat.

It's the kind of plot twist that keeps us glued to the pub telly. Griezmann, the eternal bridesmaid under Simeone, might just get his moment. Orlando? They'll have to wait their turn. Cheers to that – pass the crisps, mate.

(ESPN's Julien Laurens chipped in on this one too.)