No need for Griezmann to leave for big names

Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis is convinced “genius” Antoine Griezmann will remain with the Rojiblancos, despite ongoing speculation about his future.

Griezmann has become one of Europe’s hottest properties during twoand-half prolific seasons at Atletico, and Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are among the clubs being linked with a big-money bid for the France international.

The 26-year-old, who last summer signed a new contract tying him to Atletico until 2021, admitted recently he was finding the transfer speculation “quite tiring” and reiterated that he saw himself staying at the Rojiblancos.

And Filipe Luis also has no doubts the former Real Sociedad winger will still be at the club next season.

The Brazilian said in Marca: “We’ve not said anything to him. We’re sure that he’s going to stay, he’s a genius.

“Watching him every day, you see that he’s a different player, he gives you that brilliance.

“Every game that goes by shows me that he’s fighting to win the Ballon d’Or because he makes the difference.”

He added when asked if any club could offer something better than Atletico: “I don’t think there’s a club much better.

“Atleti offer you a club that is constantly expanding. Right now they are at a great level and more and more people want to come here.

“For me it’s crucial that Griezmann stays because he’s a genius. The champion clubs are those that have these players.”

Griezmann took his season tally for club and country to 25 goals when he scored a late equaliser in Saturday’s derby with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Now the Frenchman and his team-mates turn their attentions to the Champions League, with the first leg of their quarter-final against Leicester coming up tomorrow.

Atletico are big favourites to eliminate a side who are playing in the competition for the first time, but Filipe Luis has warned against underestimating their opponents.