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Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has told L'Equipe Magazine he has "great respect" for Cristiano Ronaldo after jokingly telling the Real Madrid star he hates him. France international Griezmann, 25, lost out to Portugal captain Ronaldo in both the 2016 Champions League and Euro 2016 finals. The pair were surprised to come together again shortly after Ronaldo had been crowned European champion at Griezmann's expense in a restaurant in Miami. Ronaldo revealed earlier this week Griezmann had told him -- in jest -- "I hate you," and Griezmann has stressed that he holds his Madrid rival in high esteem. "We came across Cristiano and his friends in the same restaurant," he said. "It was really by chance. I went to say hello and congratulate him for Portugal's win at the Euros and the Champions League. We made fun of each other. "I just joked like that because I needed time to get over the defeat in the final. But, honestly, it's not because he beat me in two important competitions and that he scored a hat trick last weekend against us that my opinion will change. I have great respect for Ronaldo." Griezmann also said in an interview with GQ that he considered leaving Atletico ahead of the 2016-17 campaign amid links to clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. "I had some doubts [about my future at Atletico Madrid] last summer when there were reports [coach Diego] Simeone could leave," Griezmann told GQ. "I called him and he told me that he would stay. So I stayed as well. I have a lot of respect for him and feel that he believes in me. I need to stay with him and work for him a bit more. "But that does not necessarily mean I would follow him if he leaves Atletico. "My teammates here really appreciate me. I have reached this level thanks to them. I get better every week. I need them and I love playing for Atletico. I do not think I need to move to reach the next level." And the Frenchman confirmed that he is not looking to play in his native country any time soon. "A move to Ligue 1 is not my goal at this stage," he said. "Maybe later. But I love Spain."
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