Antoine Griezmann’s film to announce Atletico Madrid stay was produced by Gerard Pique and Barcelona are ‘furious’
Pique's television company was behind Griezmann documentary where French ace revealed he was snubbing Nou Camp move in favour of remaining in Madrid
BARCELONA are said to be fuming at defender Gerard Pique for his role in Antoine Griezmann's shock television announcement he was staying at Atletico Madrid.
Barca have spent the last six months trying to piece together a deal that would take the France international star to the Nou Camp.
The La Liga champions had hoped to have announced the controversial transfer before the World Cup started - but even though they were delayed they had remained convinced they would get their man.
But Griezmann, 27, stunned them yesterday when he announced on a television documentary special that he was going to be staying with Atleti.
Barcelona bosses were staggered, and even more upset that the production company behind the show is the one owned by their potential new captain Pique.
The El Club de le Mijanit show on Spanish station TV3 went as far as to claim directors at the Nou Camp were "disgusted" with the involvement of their defender.
And president Josep Maria Bartomeu is said to have been further anger by the fact Pique took to social media lavishing praise on Griezmann for his announcement in the show, made by his company Kosmos Studios.
Pique wrote on Twitter: "Another way to see the life of a footballer and the doubts he had when making the most important decision of his career.
"Thanks to the team at Kosmos Studios and especially to Antoine Griezmann for these last few weeks.
"You decided to stay at Atletico and I hope it goes great for you this season.
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"And remember one thing. There will be people that criticise [the documentary] because everything new generate reject.
"But the most important thing to reflect on is that not everything they sell you is true. Good night.”
Barca officials are upset at the way the situation has developed, not least because they had been so confident of getting Griezmann they had not actively pursued other potential targets.
The film had been six months in the making, and there is a belief within the club that there is no way Pique did not know what was going on in filming.
There is also a fear that Griezmann appeared to admit in the film that he had been speaking with Barcelona - even though no fee had been agreed with his club Atletico.
Madrid had been warning Barca they would report them for illegally approaching their star man, and there is still the threat that could happen.
Pique's role in the saga may also cost him the Barca captaincy. He had been favourite to get the job after the departures of Andreas Iniesta and Javier Mascherano last season.