Thomas Lemar has said France teammate Antoine Griezmann’s decision to stay at Atletico Madrid and his praise for the club helped convince him to join them.
Lemar became Atletico’s most expensive signing when he arrived from Monaco in a €70 million deal this summer.
“It’s obvious that chat from Antoine and also from Lucas Hernandez, speaking to me about the club and telling me it is really good to advance and continue my career, helped me to choose Atletico,” he told Spanish newspaper Marca.
Asked whether his arrival had had anything to do with Griezmann’s decision to stay, Lemar said: “I know he really wanted me to come and he’s happy that I’m here so that we can do good things this season.”
Griezmann is a candidate for the Ballon d’Or after winning the Europa League and then helping France to victory at the World Cup, and Lemar said: “It [Griezmann winning the award] is what I expect to happen and something I wish with all my heart.”
Meanwhile, Lemar said he did not feel any pressure at Atletico because of his big price tag.
“I say that the figures are between the clubs. I don’t have anything to do with that,” he said. “I just have to do my work on the field and everything will go well … or so I hope.”
The midfielder said he had not found it difficult to settle in at his new club, praising the help of his teammates.
“I’m not a complicated person,” he added. “It’s much easier with players like Diego Costa, who is really crazy, and Koke. They are fantastic people.
“Later, when Antoine and Lucas arrived, I spoke French with them and everything became much easier.”
Lemar is a versatile midfielder able to play on both wings as well as through the centre and in a free role. He is predominantly left footed, but is also competent with his right foot. He is noted for his excellent dribbling skills, strong passing ability and free kicks. He has said he prefers to link-up with teammates, rather than taking on defenders: “I am trying to avoid duels and concentrate on passing as much as possible.” He will often attempt to score from long range and scored 14 goals in 55 appearances in the 2016–17 season and had 17 assists.[unreliable source?