Atletico Madrid president has denied Antoine Griezmann links with Barcelona.
Antoine Griezmann announced his departure once the season concluded. The French International is seeking a move away from the club, with Barcelona linked for a potential move. The 27-year-old’s release clause falls down from €200 to €125 million from July 1 and Barcelona will wait until that date.
Barcelona came close to landing the World Cup winner 12 months ago, but Griezmann decided to stay at Atletico. Although the landscape has changed this year, they must pay the release clause to lure him to Nou Camp. Numerous reports quoted that Valverde is prepared to spend high for the Atletico Madrid forward to bolster the forward line.
However, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has claimed that the speculations are totally false and Barcelona are yet to make an approach. He also added that he does not know Griezmann’s new club, despite Barcelona being linked intensively.
“Griezmann has been with for five years and done a splendid job,” Cerezo told Spanish broadcaster Onda Cero.
“We have a good relationship. Nice, trustworthy. I hope wherever he goes he will be treated the same as he has been with us.
“I don’t know where he’s going, he didn’t say. I don’t have the slightest idea where he will go. I don’t think anyone knows.”
Asked whether Barca – who Atlético have been considering legal actions against – have initiated discussions, Cerezo replied: “No one from Barca has contacted me.”
Antoine Griezmann joined Atletico Madrid in 2014 and has gone on to become one of the prominent figures in world football. The French International has made 257 appearances for the club, scoring 133 and assisting another 50 during this five-year stay. He is also been linked with Manchester United.
Contradicting reports stated that Lionel Messi is preferring Neymar over Antoine Griezmann because of attitude issues. PSG are unlikely to let their star leave in the summer transfer window as he does possess a release clause only a year later.
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
“I don’t have the slightest idea where he will go. I don’t think anyone knows” 👀
Atlético Madrid president discusses lack of Barça contact for Griezmannhttps://t.co/ld05St24dY
— AS English (@English_AS) June 7, 2019
Messi wants Neymar back at #Barcelona as club cool Griezmann interest https://t.co/u3t7AexJaM #FCBlive #Barça pic.twitter.com/3auFkHB4QE
— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) June 4, 2019
🗣️ — Enrique Cerezo (Atletico president): “None of Barcelona’s officials contacted us about Griezmann. We don’t know what the player’s next destination will be.” pic.twitter.com/7p5naIt3iC
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 7, 2019
‘That’s a good question’ – Antoine Griezmann coy on his future.https://t.co/RUNoyHxHeq pic.twitter.com/5YzADT2L8r
— AS English (@English_AS) June 3, 2019
Barça plan to have at least 4 new signings by the new season: Griezmann, de Ligt, a back up for Jordi Alba and de Jong has already been signed. The club still need to sell various players as well. [md] pic.twitter.com/Tm24gi20ce
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 6, 2019
What’s next?
Antoine Griezmann is currently contracted until 2023 with Atletico Madrid. Despite confirming his departure from Wanda Metropolitano, the Spanish club will be desiring to recoup the release clause amount to buy an ample replacement for the French International.