'I already sit where Messi and Cristiano are' - Griezmann

After being left off the shortlist for FIFA's The Best award, the
Frenchman insists he is still hoping to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or
Antoine Griezmann claimed he is on the same level as Lionel Messi
and Cristiano Ronaldo as he set his sights on winning the Ballon d'Or,
despite admitting he can make improvements to his game.
The World Cup-winning France forward missed out on the three-man
shortlist for FIFA's The Best award, the winner of which will be
announced on September 24, but he is nevertheless feeling confident
of his chances of being named the world's best player later in the
year.
In contrast to FIFA's prize, the Ballon d'Or winner is determined by
votes from journalists, and Griezmann described the prize as more
prestigious.
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"I think the Ballon d'Or has more prestige and history," he told AS .
"There's three months left to give everything.
"It is clear that I am a different player than Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi,
Neymar or [Kylian] Mbappe. I'm at the top but I can improve.
"I seek to be as complete as possible. I'm not going to score 50 goals,
but I'm looking to help offensively and work for the team.
"I think I already sit where Messi and Cristiano are. And I know other
players are going to come for sure.
"I want to improve, I want to win and I want to continue like this,
playing in this way."
Griezmann was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona during the
summer transfer window, but he explained that his decision to turn
down a move to Camp Nou was in part a tribute to his team-mates
and head coach Diego Simeone.
"Saying no to Barcelona gives greatness to Atletico, Cholo [Simeone],
my team-mates," he said.
"I trust them and we contribute to each other a lot.
"I stay where they give me more love. If it was for money, I would
have gone to China.
"It was a very important decision for my future. You do not only look at
one year, you do it thinking about four or five. It wasn't as easy as
choosing a candy."
Atletico's disappointing start to the new La Liga season continued on
Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Eibar, with Monaco up next for
Simeone's men in the Champions League on Tuesday.