Madrid: French striker Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid he will leave them in the close season, the Spanish club said on Twitter.
The 28-year-old Griezmann has a contract until 2023 with Atletico, but has a buy-out clause of 120 million euros (USD 134 million) and has been the target of several approaches from La Liga rivals Barcelona.
“Antoine Griezmann has told the club he will not continue as a Rojiblanco (red and white, the club’s colours) next season,” the club said Tuesday.
. @AntoGriezmann has informed the club that he will not continue at Atlético de Madrid next season.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 14, 2019
Within a few moments the player then posted a video explaining himself.
“After speaking with Cholo (club coach 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,” said Griezmann.
. @AntoGriezmann: "These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart." pic.twitter.com/uz1jwQj1Sg
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 14, 2019
“I wanted to tell you I have taken the decision to leave,” said the French 2018 World Cup winner.
“I have had five wonderful seasons here and you will always be in my heart,” he added. “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.”
With 133 goals in 252 games at Atletico the attacker has been ever-present and has rarely been unfit or injured.
He was a Champions League runner up in 2016, losing to arch-rivals Real Madrid. In 2018 however Atletico beat Marseille in the Europa League final.
Griezmann finished third for the Ballon d’Or in 2016, after France lost in the final to Portugal at the European Championships and was a huge presence as Les Bleus romped to a memorable World Cup win at Russia 2018 after which he also finished third for the Ballon d’Or.
AFP
