Unai Emery: 'Antoine Griezmann is a very good player'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 07 September 2016

Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery says that he tried to sign Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad in 2011 when he was in charge of Valencia.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery has revealed that he tried to sign Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad in 2011 when he was the head coach of Valencia.

Griezmann, 25, is believed to be the subject of interest from PSG and Manchester United off the back of two impressive seasons for Atletico Madrid, where he has scored 57 times in 107 appearances.

Emery denies that he tried to sign the France international for PSG this summer, but concedes that he has previously made an attempt to acquire the "very good player".

"When I arrived at PSG, I saw many names circulating – and names of major players. But the most important is the players who are here," Emery told RMC Sport.

"I know Griezmann but I never talked to him. He is a very good player. Five years ago, when I was the coach of Valencia and he was at Real Sociedad, I told my president to sign him. But it didn't happen. Now, he said he is very happy at Atletico Madrid."

Earlier this week, Griezmann revealed that he would consider leaving Atletico if head coach Diego Simeone were to depart the Vicente Calderon.