Antoine Griezmann announces he’s leaving Atletico Madrid

Sports Desk

5 years ago

French striker Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid he will be leaving, the Spanish club announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Griezmann has a contract until 2023 with Atletico, but has a buy out clause of 120 million euros and has been the target of several approaches from La Liga rivals FC Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Club against Borussia Dortmund on 6 November 2018. (Javier Soriano / AFP)

‘Antoine Griezmann has told the club he will not continue as a Rojiblanco next season,’ the club said on Twitter.

The player himself also then posted a video explaining himself.

‘After speaking with Cholo [coach Diego Simeone] … 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, wearing a plain black t-shirt with a simple white background behind him.

‘I wanted to tell you I have taken the decision to leave,’ said the French 2018 World Cup winner.

‘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.’