Griezmann, Baby, What Is You Doin??

What’s the point?

Antoine Griezmann will reveal whether he will stay at Atlético Madrid or leave, presumably for FC Barcelona, in a video message today. In a move reminiscent of LeBron James’s infamous The Decision TV special, Griezmann will finally stop stringing us along and tell us his choice already. Or so we hope.

Griezmann, a fan of the NBA, surely knows of James’s stunt. He‘s even called his version #LaDecisión.

So for some reason, he’s decided to emulate James‘s event. OK, I think I know the reason: money. The Decision was a ratings success. But it was also poorly received. James eventually expressed regret, saying: “If I had to go back on it, I probably would do it a little bit different.”

James, one of the best ever players in the NBA, ultimately told his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers that he would “take his talents to South Beach” and join the Miami Heat. It was a move that sparked a massive shift in who the favorites for the NBA championship were.

Griezmann is a great player, but the comparison to James leaves him a little short. Joining Barcelona would strengthen them, but his influence would not be nearly on the same level as James’s.

There are many Barça fans who don’t even want him, thinking a team which already includes Luis Suárez, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembélé, and of course, Lionel Messi does not need one more attacker.

Atlético fans surely want to keep their best player, but the affection has eroded after two seasons in which he has openly flirted with leaving. Plus, it’s not like they’re not used to losing a star striker, only to emerge stronger after spending the money they make on his transfer.

And people will be less willing to overlook his antics than they were for James. Griezmann is legitimately a world-class player, but he is not the LeBron James of football.

He’s in an odd position where he’s actively weakening his reputation among both sets of fans, who responded to his announcement on Twitter with mocking. Really just have a look:

"Estaréis hartitos por los comentarios que dicen si me voy, si me quedo, cuánto me dan... Pero la verdad es la que voy a decir ahora". #LaDecisión de @antogriezmann, hoy a las 21.15h SÓLO en @cero. pic.twitter.com/lZOb47itC6

— Movistar+ (@MovistarPlus) June 14, 2018

My favorite reply is the guy who says we will learn once we buy the Griezmann Decision DLC for 9.95.

Is this a massive marketing move? Does he just love the attention?

Is he really going to sell this to us as DLC?