Antoine Griezmann gets autographs from France 1998 World Cup heroes

Some heartwarming footage has emerged of a young Antoine Griezmann meeting his France heroes in 1998.

Aged seven, and wearing the number seven on his back, he is seen with a friend excitedly running around getting autographs from the World Cup winning squad.

The duo are being interviewed at the same time, reeling off names of their favourite players as the presenter says: 'They are so cute we cannot refuse them anything.'

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Griezmann chips in with 'Barthez' before running off to get more signatures.

It's endearing footage of the France-obsessed child who, twenty years later, will still be wearing No 7 on his back this month at football's global showpiece.

Most of the crowd gathered are forced to stay behind a fence whilst Aime Jacquet's squad make their way down, but a special allowance was made for Griezmann and his partner in crime.

Now it is Griezmann signing the autographs and carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders.

The Atletico Madrid forward will be a key man in Russia and Les Bleus are expected to progress from their group of Australia, Peru and Denmark with relative ease.

Griezmann may yet be able to replicate the achievement of the France 98 side and bring the story full circle, fulfilling his childhood dreams.

Didier Deschamps' men begin their campaign against the Socceroos on Saturday.