Lyon: Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has declined to talk about his Barcelona move saying it’s not the right time to talk about this after Madrid’s 3-0 drubbing of Olympique Marseille in the Europa League final here, Wednesday.
“I don’t think now is the time to talk about my future,” Griezmann who scored two goals in the win repeated when twice asked if he’ll stay.
The Frenchman also stated that the feeling he has with Atletico Madrid has grown over time. I’ve been here for four years and I feel very much at home here,” Griezmann said after his match-winning performance.
“When I arrived at the club I didn’t have this feeling. Now I feel it’s much stronger, I have stronger ties with my teammates and fans.”
However, Atletico coach Diego Simeone spoke with an air of resignation when asked if the club can stop Antoine Griezmann from leaving.
“If he stays with us, we’ll continue to grow and develop. He’s a lad who has given so much,” Simeone said.
Spanish media has been rife with reports in recent weeks that Griezmann will soon be on his way to join Barcelona and the president Josep Bartomeu has acknowledged himself that his club met with Griezmann’s agent in October.
“He always made the right decisions and I hope he’ll be happy to be with us,” added Simeone, who signed Griezmann from Real Sociedad four years ago. “He has been solid, solid as a rock, always present.”
The France forward has netted 112 goals in 208 games for the ‘Red Stripes’ to become a firm fan favorite.