'They know nothing!' - Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann fires back at Optus Sport presenters after he was branded a 'luxury player'

Griezmann was the subject of a debate during a podcast by Australian broadcaster Optus Sport featuring former footballers Jay Bothroyd and Mark Schwarzer and journalists Julien Laurens and Phil Kitromilides. One-time England international Bothroyd said Griezmann could not be considered world class as he had a disappointing spell at Barcelona, calling him a "luxury player" and claiming he "floats into positions". He even compared him to Dimitar Berbatov.

Replying to Optus Sport's video on X, Griezmann wrote: "They know nothing about football!", accompanied by a pizza emoji.

Griezmann had a hugely disappointing two-year spell with Barcelona after signing from Atletico for €120m (£103m/$130m) in 2019. He scored just 35 goals in 102 matches for the Blaugrana and only won the Copa del Rey. He returned to Atletico two years later for just €20m (£17m) and has revitalised his career, becoming the club's all-time top scorer and also having a tremendous 2022 World Cup campaign with France.

Griezmann has scored 176 goals and set up a further 83 for Atletico. He is France's fourth top scorer of all-time on 44 goals, 12 behind record holder Olivier Giroud, and he may well have his sights set on breaking that record.

Griezmann will be in action for France on Saturday in a friendly against Germany before facing Chile on Tuesday. He will then return to Atletico duty, with his side facing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals in April.