Antoine Griezmann confirms he is leaving Atletico Madrid
Despite signing a five year contract extension only last year, Antoine Griezmann has confirmed he is leaving Atletico Madrid in the summer and posted a ‘thank you’ message to the fans via the club’s official channel.
The French International will now play his last game in an Atletico shirt against Levante on Saturday. Barcelona are reportedly ready to trigger the release clause in Griezmann’s contract, which is believed to be around €130 million (£113m).
The Catalan club are convinced they need the 28 year old to win the Champions League after enduing a shock 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals despite winning the first leg 3-0.
“After speaking with Cholo (Diego Simeone), then with Miguel Angel and the people in the hierarchy of the club I wanted to speak with you, the fans, who have always given me a lot of love. To tell you I have taken the decision to leave. To see other things, to have other challenges.
The truth is it has been difficult to take this route but it is what I feel I need and I would like to thank all of you for the love you have shown me during these five years.”
Griezmann told the fans via the club’s twitter channel.
LosMejor's Editorial Team includes a team of experts who cover the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. The Editorial team is headed by Deepak Selvan.