Thunderstorms couldn’t keep the crowd away as several hundred fans packed Full Sail Live on Tuesday night for the official unveiling of Antoine Griezmann as an Orlando City player. The French forward met with fans and media, discussing his decision to come to Orlando and what to expect now that he’s here.
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“Since I was 18 years old, my illusion, my dream, was to come here to the MLS,” Griezmann said. “This was a very important step in my career to arrive here mentally and physically in a very good condition, and that’s why I made that step right now.”
He was joined by Orlando City owner and chairman Mark Wilf and general manager and sporting director Ricardo Moreira, as the club laid out its vision and how Griezmann fits into it.
“We want to have a championship-caliber club, first-class club, and with this signing, we really are where we need to be,” Wilf said. “So, a lot of excitement, also a lot of pride, the entire organization and the entire city, all the support to have this happen, and it came together so beautifully, and we’re just excited and proud.”
“He’s just a representation of our mission as a club to compete for trophies,” Moreira added. “He can be the face of this club for hopefully many years from now.”
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Griezmann and his family have been settling into Orlando, and that comfort level should make his transition to MLS easier. As the city embraces its new talisman, he hopes to repay the welcome on the field.
“The kids are falling in love with the city, everybody that has received us here, it was incredible, not only in their school, but also for our family and for me,” Griezmann added. “We’re very, very happy, and I hope I can give you that love back.”
Orlando’s first competitive match with Griezmann is July 22 on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes. His first potential home match is July 25 against Nashville SC.
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