Football
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Real Madrid don't need Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann - Jese

Jese Rodriguez says Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann is not good enough to play for his former club Real Madrid.

Griezmann, who was nominated for last year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best Men's Player awards after finishing as the top scorer at Euro 2016 and helping Atletico finish runners-up in the Champions League, is a reported target of a number of top European clubs this summer, including Real Madrid.

Griezmann is Atletico's leading scorer this season with 25 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.

But when asked if Griezmann would be a good fit for Madrid, Jese, who spent 10 years at the club and is currently on a six-month loan at Las Palmas from Paris Saint-Germain, told AS: "No. There are many better players in the team than him."

Jese's comments that Madrid did not need to sign Griezmann were played down by Atletico boss Diego Simeone.

"I do not comment on the words of a fellow professional," he said. "That is his opinion."

Jese, who left Madrid last summer and signed a contract with PSG until June 2021, is optimistic his former side can again see off Atletico in the Champions League semifinal. Madrid have won their last two Champions League finals against Atletico and host their city neighbours on Tuesday before the return leg at the Vicente Calderon on May 10.

"For me, Real Madrid are the kings of the Champions League," Jese said. "They are a very strong side, and I think that over two legs, Madrid are very strong. But at the end of the day it's football and a lot of things can happen. Every game is a world in itself -- we'll see what happens in both games."

Madrid needed extra-time to beat Atletico in the 2014 final and won on penalties in last season's final.

"It's clear that they're reaching finals," Jese said of Atletico. "I was lucky enough to be in that situation and win two Champions Leagues and being in a similar position but not winning is tough to take and quite sad."

Asked if Atletico can win the Champions League if they reach the final, he said: "Of course they can but I'd prefer Real Madrid to win."

Despite the rivalry that exists between the two Madrid outfits, the 24-year-old Jese does not rule out playing for Atletico one day.

"You always set new goals and challenges, personal objectives, and Atletico Madrid is a top side," he said. "You never know in football. Right now I am a Las Palmas player and I will to do my best for my club. We'll see what the future holds. If an offer arrived of course I would study it."

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