Griezmann snubs Barcelona to stay at Atletico Madrid

Antoine Griezmann has rebuffed Barcelona’s advances and announced he will remain at Atletico Madrid beyond the World Cup.

The 27-year-old France star ended months of speculation by confirming on Thursday his decision to remain with the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2014.

Griezmann looked likely to be swayed by ongoing interest from Barca, with the LaLiga champions’ president Josep Maria Bartomeu in May revealing he had spoken with the player’s agent.

Lionel Messi also voiced public support for the move, but the two-goal hero of Atleti’s Europa League final win over Marseille insists he is going nowhere.

Griezmann took the unprecedented step of announcing his decision during an extensive documentary aired on Movistar+.

Explaining the process of his choice throughout the 45-minute film, Griezmann highlighted Atleti’s commitment to winning the Champions League at the Wanda Metropolitano as a key factor.

“I have decided to stay,” said Griezmann.

“They are doing everything they can to keep Atletico growing and so that they can play the Champions League final, hopefully at home [in 2019].

“They are making an effort to bring top players. This is going to make a difference.”

112 – Antoine Griezmann has scored 112 goals in all comps with Atlético Madrid since 2014/15, at least 74 more than any other player. Decision ? pic.twitter.com/23GMZzNbl0

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 14, 2018

He added: “I feel there are things to do with Atletico.

“If they [Atleti] buy good players we can win the Champions League here and enter the history of the club. Here, I would make history. At Barcelona, I would just be one more.

“The decision I make is taken with 100 per cent certainty, as I did at Real Sociedad or when I came here. I will not regret it.”

Mi afición, mi equipo, MI CASA! @atleti

Mes supporters, mon équipe, MA MAISON ! @AtletiFR

My fans, my team, MY HOME!!! @atletienglish pic.twitter.com/ByD8Cju5Yb

— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) June 14, 2018

Following the broadcast, Griezmann posted a video of himself standing outside the Wanda Metropolitano with the caption: “My fans, my team, MY HOME!!!”

The forward’s attentions will now switch to France’s World Cup campaign, with the striker set to spearhead Didier Deschamps’ attack in Russia.

Les Bleus will be in action against Australia on Saturday, before further Group C matches against Peru and Denmark.