griezy decision
Griezmann tells Atletico Madrid he’s leaving with Barcelona set to pay his £108m release clause
Frenchman announced his decision during a meeting with Diego Simeone and president Miguel Angel Gil Marin
Frenchman announced his decision during a meeting with Diego Simeone and president Miguel Angel Gil Marin
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has told Atletico Madrid that he is leaving this summer.
Barcelona failed to sign the France World Cup winner last summer, but are reportedly ready to pay his £108million clause in July.
Griezmann made the announcement during a meeting with manager Diego Simeone and president Miguel Angel Gil Marin.
Atletico Madrid wrote on Twitter: "@AntoGriezmann has informed the club that he will not continue as Rojiblanco next season."
The Spanish side then posted a clip of the 28-year-old speaking to his fans - just one year after he posted a video to tell them that he was staying.
He said: "It's been an incredible five years. Thank you very much for everything, I take you in the heart."
The forward is expected play his final match for Diego Simeone's side against Levante on Saturday.
Griezmann decided to sign a new deal with Atletico Madrid last summer when he snubbed a move to the Nou Camp.
His annual salary was raised to just shy of £20m and his buyout clause was increased to £170m.
But he agreed with the club last summer that his release clause was be reduced to around £108m at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Barcelona are ready to pounce for the Frenchman, who has racked up 19 goals and 11 assists this season.
It is understood that he is willing to take a hefty pay cut to continue his career with Ernesto Valverde's side next season.
He has allegedly already settled personal terms with the La Liga champions.
Manchester United have also been linked, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's interest in the 28-year-old has cooled.
