Griezmann: Uruguay is my second country FIFA World Cup 2018 - France Expressed his love for the nation

Suarez: Griezmann doesn't know how it is to be Uruguayan

Uruguay face France in the World Cup quarter finals and Antoine Griezmann has declared that he has a special bond with the South American country.

His empathy with Uruguayan people kicked off in the Basque country and has followed him until now.

"Uruguay is my second country," he told the FIFA website.

"It's a nation and people that I love and I have many friends there.

"It's going to be a great game to play in and a really emotional experience too."

During his spell at Real Sociedad, the then coach of the Basques, Martin Lasarte was his supportive pillar that helped the Frenchman adapt to Spanish football.

It was at San Sebastian, where he also met one of his closest friends, Carlos Bueno, who introduced him to the traditional Latin American infused drink, mate.

His subsequent move to Atletico Madrid was recommended by Diego Godin, another Uruguayan who also became the godfather of his Atleti teammate's daughter.