Match Information

• Droitwich Spa 2-0 Coventry Copsewood

• When: Bank Holiday Monday 29th August 2022

• Kick-off: 3pm

• Where: ‘Kingys’ Stadium, King George V Playing Fields, Briar Mill, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 0RZ

• Competition: Midland League Division One 

• Attendance: 285

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I really wanted to visit Droitwich Spa FC as the team have returned to their home town this season after a period of five years groundsharing some 10 miles away at Stourport Swifts FC.

That self-imposed exile was necessary because Droitwich didn’t have the necessary facilities to meet strict ground grading requirements for advancement within the national Non-League Pyramid system.

But extensive work has now been completed in developing a £2.5 million stadium at the King George V Playing Fields where the club originally played until 2017.

Result of my @MidlandLeague match today:@DroitSpaFC 2@copsewoodFC 0

Attendance 285, excellent double header glossy programme. Football grounds visited - 2,461@NonLeagueCrowd @NonLeaguePaper @nonleagueshow @WorcsFA pic.twitter.com/qIPwn2VFur

— Tony Incenzo - my 50th football season (@TonyIncenzo) August 29, 2022

This has coincided with promotion to the Midland League Division One for 2022/23 having been crowned champions of the West Midlands (Regional) League.

All in all, a fascinating story that captured my attention and I therefore decided to take a look at the brand new set-up for myself.

So I set off on a Bank Holiday Monday 260 mile round trip to the historic Worcestershire spa town which has a population of 23,500. My wife and daughter accompanied me for a nice day out. 

Ground Description

The football ground has been entirely transformed. It originally consisted of just an unenclosed pitch that had minimal spectator facilities.

But now the affectionately named ‘Kingys’ Stadium is fully fenced in and railed off with floodlights, hard standing underfoot plus a decent 100-seater grandstand.

The players’ changing rooms have also been improved and the surrounding community are benefitting from a newly laid 3G artificial pitch outside the main arena.

Droitwich Spa have received excellent Football Foundation and local council funding to carry out this major project.

Their homecoming match at the start of the current campaign attracted a bumper crowd of 510 whilst attendances since then have been approaching 300. So plenty of interest is being generated since these are very encouraging gates for Step 6 football.

In fact, I was impressed to see many schoolchildren enthusiastically cheering on their local team. A situation that is greatly helped by an admirable policy of admitting under-12’s into fixtures free of charge to entice the fanbase of the future.

Businesses in Droitwich are buying into the project too and I noticed scores of advertising boards erected around the pitch. All these fresh income streams will provide a sustainable future for the football club.

They have a five year plan which includes hoped for progress in the FA Vase and the FA Cup to supplement Midland League success. 

Programme Details

It was a double issue that sensibly covered Droitwich Spa’s two home games over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The 36 page edition sold at £1 which was good value.

A front cover headline of “SALTMEN” referred to the club’s evocative nickname which stems from the fact that salt has been extracted locally in Droitwich Spa since ancient times.

The rest of the programme contained a pleasing blend of match reports, statistics and action photos. An interesting map of the other Midland League Division One teams caught my eye.

It revealed that Droitwich will travel a total of 1,538 miles for their away fixtures during 2022/23 with the furthest trip identified as 62 miles to Haughmond FC in the Shrewsbury area. 

The Match

Droitwich started on the front foot and took the lead through Connor Collins with a close range header on 19 minutes. Then six minutes later, Coventry Copsewood’s Ben Atkins put through his own goal for 2-0.

Droitwich had plenty of chances to extend their advantage before the half-time interval. Copsewood tightened up after that so there was no further scoring.

On a personal note, I was delighted to capture one of the best photographs I have ever taken on my camera phone where a thicket of players from both sides appear to be inadvertently forming a rugby scrum following a corner!

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to @TonyIncenzo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 23rd September 2022

Former Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown believes Cristiano Ronaldo will soon vacate Old Trafford’s bench in a bid to further embellish his quite extraordinary career. 

"Ronaldo and Messi are on different levels to the rest and they’re breaking all sorts of records and he will want to carry that on.

"He’s also not the future of this club. So, when I look at it like that, if something happens in January, I’m pretty sure he might go. 

"Until then, I don’t think he’ll disrespect the players by having a sulk and a moan. He’s not that sort of character. He will come off the bench and score goals and give his dues and work hard for the team.

"He’s very respected and looked up to at the club but listen, he will want to play. It’s as simple as that. Ronnie is a different breed."

"I'm told that nothing is advanced with any clubs, nothing has changed around Cristiano Ronaldo, he's 100% focused on #mufc. That is important to clarify." [@FabrizioRomano, United Stand YT]

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) September 19, 2022

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Brown played alongside the Portuguese megastar for several seasons during an era of supreme dominance that saw the Red Devils win the league most seasons, and if such successes feel a long time ago now, at least there have been grounds for optimism of late, namely in the arrival of Erik Ten Hag. 

From what he’s seen to date, the local lad from Longsight – a two-time Champions League winner no less – has been impressed.

"He definitely has a lot of focus and wants the players to work hard.

"A lot of people were saying United would struggle this season so you have to give Ten Hag an A grade, especially because after the first two games nobody would have thought we’d be where we are, on a nice little run. 

"To lose your first two games would have affected everyone, including the players, so to get them back and focused and winning is a really big achievement."

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A significant factor in United’s dramatic upturn in fortunes has been the impact made by Christian Eriksen, the Dane’s astute use of the ball lending some much-needed reassurance to United’s midfield. Brown is clearly a fan.

"He’s the player United have missed and that’s not hammering Fred or Scott. He’s always on the half-turn and ready to receive the ball.

"He’s different to Bruno (Fernandes) despite many saying they’re similar. Bruno will go for that magician ball, and you want him to do that, but in those deeper positions Eriksen is comfortable with little one-twos and there is more of a flow.

"He knows when to turn and when to pass it first time. We’ve missed that and he’s sort of steadied the ship in that sense.

"Since his incident he has been absolutely excellent for Brentford and that is continuing at United. He’s definitely opened up different areas of play for us."

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Perhaps it’s a coincidence, perhaps not, but another stand-out performer also arrived in the summer with centre-back Lisandro Martinez rising to the challenge so far, despite many highlighting his lack of inches. 

On 232 occasions Brown played in defence for Manchester United, putting his body on the line time and again, so few know better what is required to excel in that role.

In Martinez, he is more than hopeful that the club he still supports have signed a real contender.

"I like Martinez. We’ve missed someone who is really aggressive and plays on the front foot. Yes, he will get beat sometimes in the air – who hasn’t?

"But ultimately, he panics the strikers because he gives them no time. I’ve seen a few strikers turn him, but he can get back as well because he’s quick. 

"He’s always in your face and strikers don’t like that. Every time they have a touch, they know he’s going to be there."

Lisandro Martinez has been criticised because of his height - but does size really matter in football? pic.twitter.com/eQXw15VqNI

— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) September 22, 2022

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With Martinez immediately making his presence felt, and Raphael Varane finally fit and stringing a number of games together, a decent partnership appears to be forming at the back.

Where though does this leave the much-maligned Harry Maguire, who some insist was unfairly made a scapegoat for last season’s poor returns? Does the England international still have a future at Old Trafford?

"100%. He had a difficult season last year, like so many others did. Obviously by being captain he was picked out a lot, but it was the whole team.

"He’ll be able to take that criticism and I’m pretty sure he’s strong-minded. When he gets that next opportunity to start all he can do is his best and not let his head go down.

"Harry Maguire is a good player, but he’s had a lot of stick and at the moment he’s out of favour. But anything could happen, and the team and manager might need him. He needs to be ready when that happens."

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Which might very well be in a Manchester derby, that looms large on the other side of the international break.

It is a fixture that will tell us a good deal more about who Manchester United presently are, and what they might eventually become under the guidance of Ten Hag.

For now though, Brown is under no illusions as to the chasm that lies between these fierce rivals.

"There is still a long way to go to get to that standard and do it week in, week out. I watch City quite a bit and when they don’t play too well, just one attack and they score.

"That’s what a championship-winning team can bring and we did that in my time, scraping a win. City can do that. They can win both ways. 

"United right now are just trying to keep this run going, while working out what works and which players are best suited to the system. They’re still working out the movements being made.

"When you look at Kevin De Bruyne, he knows what Haaland is going to do and what Foden is going to do. When United get to that stage, then it might be a little different.

"City are higher at the moment quite obviously, but that’s the aim. That’s the challenge."

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd September 2022

It would be unfair to name them, but there are plenty of retired players around in possession of numerous Premier League title medals, attained not from being especially talented, but because they just happened to serve a purpose at the time for a very, very decent side.

Good luck to them. Them’s the breaks.

Conversely, there are some extraordinarily gifted stars who never won the English league crown, not through any fault of their own. Not through the fault of anyone really. Again, those are the breaks. 

And if it’s possible to be charitable about the first disparity, it’s harder when acknowledging the latter. Frankly, it just plain sucks.   

Gianfranco Zola

In the most prosaic of descriptions, Zola was one of the best Premier League strikers around but there was infinitely more to the little wizard than that.

For seven thoroughly enjoyable years, the Italian lit up our pitches, with his mazy dribbles and propensity to score goals that made neutrals grin from ear to ear. He was a genius without all the baggage that usually comes with geniuses. 

Alas, the silky Sardinian graced Chelsea and beyond in the era immediately prior to the transformative Roman Abramovich takeover. Indeed, he left in the same week that the money arrived, with all the success that came with it. 

Liverpool on Sunday...

🤯 Gianfranco Zola! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xP3V3EyBVp

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 17, 2020

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Steven Gerrard 

Famously there was ‘the slip’, a mis-control against Chelsea in 2014 that cost Liverpool so dear as a first Premier League title lay within their grasp. 

Famously too, the player affectionately known as ‘Stevie G’ never got to win the competition, a charge that has been levelled against him ever since as a skewed form of proof that he wasn’t the bee’s knees. 

Only he absolutely was. The marauding midfielder is the only player to ever score a goal in a FA Cup final, a League Cup final, UEFA Cup final and a Champions League final. 

In the latter, he single-handedly hauled his hometown club to one of their greatest triumphs on an unforgettable evening in Istanbul. 

Also, though it matters little compared to his footballing prowess, he did rather well for himself off the pitch too. Gerrard was unquestionably a special talent indeed. He just played for the right side, at the wrong time. 

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Matt Le Tissier

You may, or may not, be familiar with the bizarre tale of Ali Dia, the non-league non-entity who duped Southampton into giving him 50 minutes of top-flight action.

In a neat twist, Dia came on for an injured Le Tissier that day, meaning the finest talent the South Coast club has ever showcased was replaced by its worst.

That Dia and ‘Le God’ have won the same number of trophies makes us question the existence of a deity, ‘le’ or otherwise.

🔝 1️⃣0️⃣

Take a look back at @mattletiss7’s best strikes for #SaintsFC: pic.twitter.com/SeyT6q0ZIN

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 19, 2018

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David Ginola 

The French winger positively danced past opponents, his poise – even at full speed – leaving them twisting in the wind. With the ball at his feet meanwhile, he could regularly conjure up magic.

At Newcastle, his footballing devilment coupled with Kevin Keegan’s attacking mandate was a match made in heaven, while at Spurs, Ginola won the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year. 

He was untouchable that season. Sadly, so many of his team-mates were not.

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Gareth Bale 

A similar fate befell Bale during six years at Spurs that began slowly before exploding into ridiculous feats of individuality, including a hat-trick at the San Siro that will live long in the memory.

In North London, the Welsh golfing fanatic emerged as a bone fide superstar, capable of upsetting the football odds with a blistering turn of pace and a precise finish.

His was a skill-set rare enough to persuade Real Madrid to part with a then record sum of £85.3m. Alas, surrounded by the likes of Alan Hutton and Wilson Palacios no title was forthcoming.

The streets won't forget Gareth Bale's 2012/13 season 😍#GoalOfTheDay // @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/8VtRj8cy9f

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 2, 2021

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FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd September 2022

Newmarket, Saturday:

The ground up at Newmarket is beautiful and we’re all set for a brilliant day of racing.

It looks a top-class card with the big two-year-old Group Ones as well as the ultra-competitive betting race, the Cambridgeshire Handicap.

The Middle Park Stakes is always a cracker, with the best young sprinters around blazing out of the dip, and I was lucky enough to win it a couple of times with Amadeus Wolf and Astaire.

It looks like a cracker this year and Blackbeard is the obvious favourite, but there’s no shortage of opposition either.

I’ve got just the one ride in the shape of Austrian Theory in the Cambridgeshire, and I’m pleased to see we’ve bagged what looks like a decent draw in stall 21.

A @HamiltonParkRC double for @Johnston_Racing ✌️

Austrian Theory (14-1) toughs it out under Joe Fanning to deny the long-absent Ghaly in the feature handicap over mile. pic.twitter.com/bsIei00CDj

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2022

All of the last six winners have been drawn in the twenties and two of the last four have come from 21, so hopefully that’s the bit of luck we need in what looks very tough handicap.

He’s had a bit of a break since Glorious Goodwood which will hopefully have freshened him up a bit, and though he’s a big price he’s got pieces of form that would give him a squeak.

I’ll be going in there with an open mind, and being a Johnston horse we’ll keep it straightforward - I’ll just let him get on with it.

There’s sure to be plenty of scrimmaging for position in a big field like this, but the Rowley Mile is a very open track.

I’d imagine we’ll split into two groups and then possibly merge later on in the race, which is when it can get a bit messy, but hopefully we get a good run.

Racing League win, but Levey’s loss

Earlier last week the Racing League came to a close and I was delighted to pick up a bit of extra prize money for being on the winning team.

Saffie [Osborne] had a big part to play in that, so well done to her – she works very hard, and like a lot of these young female riders just needs a bit of a break to get going.

As a concept I think it’s good and it needs to be backed going forward.

The team element makes it very competitive, and it’s offering good prize money and full fields which is something our sport has been suffering from for a long time.

Breaking: @LeveySean is seeking an investigation into his week-long ban from riding after a 'false positive' saliva sample.

Levey says "it's hard not to feel aggrieved" after missing the Racing League finale and a possible £20,000 bonus pic.twitter.com/ARVSvp2N2e

— Sky Sports Racing (@SkySportsRacing) September 21, 2022

On the flipside, Sean Levey missed out on the chance of claiming the Top Jockey prize, and whatever has happened there with the discrepancy of his saliva test is just not good enough.

What happened to Sean could happen to any one of us. Imagine if it’s Ryan Moore ahead of his Group One rides this Saturday, or ahead of the Arc, it can completely ruin things for us.

On the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, it’s looking wide-open with no Baaeed in there, and at this point in time I think Alpinista looks a very solid candidate.

She’s a multiple Grade One winner across Europe and is handled by a master in Sir Mark [Prescott].

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FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd September 2022

I’ve been lucky enough to witness some fine finishes to horse races in person over the years and eventually they become too numerous to recall, however here are three that have really stood out to me.

Pridwell – Aintree Hurdle (1998)

It was a wet and miserable day on Merseyside by the time the Aintree Hurdle came around.

The first two races had gone to Bellator and Jeffell and this Grade 1 hurdle had all the hallmarks of a “no bet” race due to the rather cramped odds of the mighty Istabraq at 4/7.

However, I and my buddy were of the view that if Istabraq was ever going to get turned over it would be on a day when the weather conditions were atrocious – well they were exactly that so we sided with AP McCoy’s mount Pridwell at 6/1 to cause an upset.

In his autobiography, McCoy states that the ride he gave Pridwell that day was probably the best of his career, and I am inclined to agree.

When the “unbeaten in his last ten races” Istabraq took it up jumping the last flight, the writing appeared to be on the wall, but McCoy galvanised Pridwell to dig deep and he beat the Irish superstar in a head-bob on the line.

Feelings of euphoria like that on a racecourse – especially when you’re collecting, stick with you forever don’t you think?

1998 Aintree Hurdle - Pridwell #pridwell pic.twitter.com/AjMW6kA5XC

— History of Horse Racing (@horsevault) June 28, 2022

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Ballyoptic – Charlie Hall Chase (2019)

There must be something about manky stinking weather I like because the two-day downpour I experienced at Wetherby’s Charlie Hall meeting in 2019 played exactly into my antepost hands when Ballyoptic obliged for me in the mud.

Punted throughout the morning in anticipation of the forecast heavy rain, the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Ballyoptic was knocked right off the boards,  from being 8/1 the previous evening to 11-4 second-favourite behind La Bague Au Roi.

In the race itself, Ballyoptic’s stamina reserves kicked into turbo in the closing stages as he wore down Top Ville Ben and Aso.

It was yet another fine race to savour in my muddy boots and it also shaped the Cheltenham Races betting odds for the 2019 Gold Cup.

ICYMI: A record sixth win for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies 👀

Ballyoptic wins the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase! #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/V1PEbWoPLx

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 2, 2019

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Gordon Lord Byron – Haydock Sprint Cup (2013)

Now I’ve seen a lot of races at my local racecourse Haydock Park down the decades but Gordon’s victory in the Sprint Cup was pretty special under Johnny Murtagh for trainer Tom Hogan.

After just losing out in the same race in 2012, Gordon returned the following year to romp home convincingly by three lengths at an S.P of 7/2 – a popular result for those like me who had placed their horse race bets online.

Gordon Lord Byron - a much-missed stable star for Tom Hogan who was at his destructive best in the 2013 Sprint Cup at @haydockraces:

🏇 108 races
🥇 16 wins
🏆 G1 Prix de la Foret
🏆 G1 Sprint Cup
🏆 G1 George Ryder Stakes
✅ Over £1.9 million in prize money pic.twitter.com/0IveFF1OMO

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 2, 2020

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 21st September 2022

I VIVIDLY remember going to a football match where an unexpected amorous adventure led to the total disappearance of one supporter. In fact, he literally vanished into thin air!

This happened when Queens Park Rangers played away to Sunderland on Saturday 20th October 1979. These were two of the promotion favourites in an appetising Second Division fixture. 

On a personal note, it was my first visit to the famous old Roker Park stadium. I was really looking forward to it as I chalked off another of the 92 League grounds. 

I used my trusty ‘Student Rail Card’ to save money on the train fare. The 300 mile journey began with a rapid Inter-City Express from London King’s Cross to Newcastle Central.

From there I caught the local service on to Seaburn station for Sunderland, which took about 20 minutes. 

That rudimentary connecting train only consisted of one carriage. It was jam-packed with 100 or so QPR fans who were belting out an array of loud songs as they eagerly anticipated the match. Indeed, it was a case of standing room only. 

At the first stop after Newcastle, a lady boarded the train who was laden down with multiple shopping bags. She was in her mid-30’s and heavily made up.

But she looked absolutely dismayed when she realised that the carriage was rammed full of boisterous football fans with no spare seats whatsoever.

Here is my latest @888sport Blog reviewing the big stories from the Championship over the past few days...https://t.co/Q50JYSmv1Y#twitterblades

— Tony Incenzo - my 50th football season (@TonyIncenzo) September 20, 2022

“Scuse me luv,” piped up one of the QPR contingent who was called Dave. “Would you like to sit down?”

He was only about 20 years old (and subsequently become known as ‘Disappearing Dave’). 

“Yes, if that’s possible. I’ve been shopping all morning and I’m absolutely worn out,” said the woman in her purring North-East accent.

“Well it’s very crowded in here,” he continued. “But we’re all mates together and so you’re more than welcome to come over and sit on my knee.”

To the amazement of everyone on the train, she took up his invitation and plonked herself straight on his lap! 

Dave’s confidence started to grow as he said: “So are you single then luv?”

“Yes. Me husband left about two months ago for a younger model.”

“Well I think you’re gorgeous luv. I really do. Would you like to come with us to watch the match? We are QPR you know. I’m sure there will be plenty of room on the away terraces.”

“No, I really have to go home and feed me cats. They’ll be starving now. I live two stops after Seaburn. But you’re more than welcome to come back to me house for a cup of tea if you want.”

 At that point, the train reached Seaburn and everyone started getting off.

“Come on Dave,” said one of his mates. “Let’s go to the game.”

But he said: “Sorry lads, I’m staying on the train.”

Please read my latest @888sport Diary Of A Groundhopper:@WolvesCassies v @TiviFCofficialhttps://t.co/OhuDH868qv@353photo @NonLeagueCrowd @MidlandLeague @NattyGrahamm @matty_9125 @nonleagueshow @Spooleypoole @StaffordshireFA @Clubbie @Wayneshakespea1 @stuarthow11

— Tony Incenzo - my 50th football season (@TonyIncenzo) September 8, 2022

And so Dave and the lady were the only two people left in the carriage as it pulled off into the distance. I was a callow teenager and I could barely believe what I was seeing!

Rangers lost the match 3-0 in truly disappointing fashion with centre-half Bob Hazell getting sent-off. My abiding memory of that occasion was the howling ‘Roker Roar’ that greeted Sunderland’s three goals.

Anyway, the downhearted fans from West London trudged back to Seaburn station in driving rain afterwards fully expecting to find Dave on the platform waiting for them. 

But he wasn’t there. And he wasn’t at Newcastle to join the main Inter-City train home either.

Actually I can now confirm that Dave was never seen again. And 43 years later, Queens Park Rangers supporters still talk of his mysterious disappearance in hushed tones.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 21st September 2022

The situation of Antoine Griezmann is certainly one of the most particular at an international level.

Yes, because the French star has been at the center of a worrying and complicated La Liga transfers case for Barcelona and Atletico for weeks: where will his future be? How will the agreement for 2023 be completed?

It all started at the end of summer 2021, when Atletico Madrid and Barcelona reached an agreement for Griezmann: a two-year loan, buy option clause for 2022 but also in addition, a € 40m mandatory clause for Atletico Madrid to sign Griezmann only in case he would have played more than 50% of the minutes in the matches where he is available.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo on Griezmann: “We have not met with Barcelona nor do we intend to do so. Griezmann story is pretty clear”. 🚨⚪️🔴 #Griezmann

“At the moment we are at the same point, nothing has changed with FCB on Griezmann - same as beginning of the season”. pic.twitter.com/hm0w9gtlj9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 13, 2022

This is where the dispute between Barcelona and Atletico arises: the Catalan club claims that having Griezmann played 81% of the minutes in his first year on loan, Antoine should be considered an Atletico player for 2023 with a consequent payment of €40m.

Atletico Madrid instead let it be known that this second season must also be part of the count in the minutes that Griezmann must play, which is why the Frenchman has so far often entered the field from minute 60 onwards so as not to be forced to activate the €40m clause next June.

A very difficult situation to manage because Griezmann is very happy at Atletico Madrid, he loves the club, the city, the fans and would like to give his best for Atleti as he is doing despite this crazy situation.

On his side, Barcelona are demanding € 40m while Atletico Madrid claim that the activation of the clause has not been reached precisely because this second season must be counted in the total of Griezmann's games. Who will be right?

While rumors of possible legal issues have been filtering for weeks to clarify everything between the two clubs, there has been for days the idea of trying to find an agreement in order to avoid even more dangerous situations for the clubs and for Griezmann himself.

The ideal for all parties involved would be to negotiate a lower price for Griezmann and thus complete an agreement in advance, so avoiding Diego Simeone the situation of using Griezmann almost always after the 60 minute.

This would also give Atletico Madrid more solutions on the pitch, and also more guarantees for Barcelona in receiving money for the Frenchman, avoiding reaching 2023 with a situation still in doubt for Antoine that does not fit into Xavi Hernandez's plans.

An agreement has not yet been reached, assured Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo a few days ago; the two clubs are in contact to find a solution but they are not yet at the final stages.

For this reason, there are already many rumors about Griezmann's future, from the Premier League to the solutions in Serie A.

United 'consider' move for Griezmann #mufc https://t.co/ykGomBzNKg pic.twitter.com/qAjrcSLCV1

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) September 20, 2022

Those close to Antoine guarantee that he is 100% focused on Atletico Madrid, does not want to be distracted by this particular situation and hopes everything can be solved. as soon as possible.

There are no negotiations underway with other clubs, not least because Griezmann's salary is very high and it would complicate everything to include a third club in this story.

First, everything needs to be resolved between Barça and Atletico Madrid, a crazy market situation that has never been heard before and which is also affecting Simeone's choices. But clarity is a priority for everyone.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*