The surprise came in Atlético de Madrid 's call-up for Hong Kong : Antoine Griezmann is not traveling with the mattress expedition. The Madrid team arrived in Asian territory a few hours ago to face the local Kitchee FC , on August 7 at 2:00 p.m. Spanish time. The red and white team presents several new features among those included in the final list for this match against Diego Forlán 's former team.
One of the big news is the non-presence of Antoine Griezmann , who has stayed in Spain following a specific plan. The French player himself wanted to apologize to the Asian fans for his absence. The decision has been made by the club, together with Luis Piñedo , the team's new physical trainer.
Rest for Griezmann
The reason is none other than to physically recover the French footballer, who comes from an important setback such as the European Championship for national teams and the 54 games with Atlético deMadrid . The one from Mâcon needs, like eating, to recover sensations and feel prepared for the return to competition, which will be on Monday the 19th at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
In the video, Antoine Griezmann gives his explanations: "I hope that the fans who watch the game understand my absence , I am very sorry, I really wanted to be there," he explained. "I was there last season, playing in the Euro Cup semi-final, and that prevents me from being here with you," said the forward.
A plan to avoid injuries
"But I am following a specific, special, personalized plan in training, to avoid any type of injuries. I will be watching the game and I hope you enjoy the show," concluded the Frenchman. Antoine Griezmann returned to training with the club last week, after his vacation, after finishing the Euro Cup with his team, where they lost in the semifinals against Spain.
The Frenchman was absent from Getafe , he was not included in the squad, nor will he be in this match against FC Kitchee . In Hong Kong there was great excitement to welcome him, and it was even commented that it was stipulated by contract.
With Sorloth already integrated
That was explained by Nen Kg King , owner of Kitchee FC : "We want all the good players to come, but you can only trust Atlético," he explained. They were waiting for Rodrigo de Paul, Ángel Correa (who did travel), José María Giménez, Antoine Griezmann and Robin Le Normand , who had recently joined the club's discipline.
The one who did travel was Alexander Sørloth, the center forward, who hopes to have his first minutes as a mattress player on this tour. The new number 9 was announced last Saturday as a brand new signing, signing for the next four years.
Almost a full house is expected to receive the mattress team; tickets cost about 50 euros. The red and whites are already resting at the Hyatt Hotel in Hong Kong , their headquarters for this Asian tour.