French forward Antoine Griezmann is set to wear a pair of boots paying respect to a nation he admires in Uruguay and his home nation of France.
Paire spéciale pour un match spécial pour moi 🇫🇷🇺🇾 @pumafootball pic.twitter.com/SJXfPXmMRN
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) November 19, 2018
France and Uruguay are set to clash tomorrow morning in a re-match of the World Cup quarter-final that finished 2-0 to Les Bleus
The Frenchmen has long been an admirer of the South American nation, even refusing to celebrate his long-range goal that sent France to the semi-finals.
Now as the sides meet for the first time since the tie Griezmann, along with Puma has designed a special pair of boots to commemorate the occasion.
While his admiration for a nation he seemingly doesn't have any ties to may seem weird to some, the World Champion explained his respect for Uruguay back in July.
"I didn't celebrate because when I started as a professional I was supported by a Uruguayan who taught me the good and the bad in football and I have a lot of respect for Uruguay," Griezmann said.
He even conducted his quarter-final post-match press conference with a Uruguay flag around his shoulders.
For those wondering, Griezmann wore a Uruguay flag:
— Uruguay Football ENG 🇺🇾 (@UruFootballEN) July 15, 2018
▪️His mentors were 🇺🇾 Martin Lasarte (manager) and Carlos Bueno (player)
▪️Active supporter of Uruguay (often tweets during games)
▪️Close friends with Diego Godin & Josema Gimenez. pic.twitter.com/QCZc3bWKHj
Griezmann said: "I was also playing against friends, so I thought it was normal not to celebrate.
"They're a tough team, like Atletico Madrid. Everyone works hard in attack and defence. It's something I see day in day out and I love Uruguayans and Uruguayan culture, so I have a lot of respect for them."
The boots are a classy touch from the number seven and are unique in their own right.
