Griezmann commits to Atletico stay
PARIS: Antoine Griezmann has committed to staying at Atletico Madrid next season, saying it would be a “dirty move” to leave the club after their transfer ban was upheld last week.
The France forward, who was the leading scorer at last year’s European Championship, has been heavily linked to a move to Manchester United in recent weeks.
He even said in one television interview that a move was “possible”, with United having been ready to pay a release clause in his contract reportedly of more than €100 million.
However, speaking on football show Telefoot on Sunday, he made it clear he will be staying in Spain for at least one more season having talked it through with the club’s directors.
“We decided that I will stay,” the 26-year-old Griezmann said. “We’ve got another good season ahead.”
Atletico’s transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last Thursday. The Fifa ban prevents Atletico from registering new players until January.
“It’s a hard moment for the club, for my teammates,” Griezmann said.
“So it would be a dirty move for me to leave now.”
Atletico had lined up Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette as a potential replacement for Griezmann.
“It’s sad for him, because he really wanted to come,” said Griezmann, adding that he hopes his France teammate joins in the January transfer window.
Griezmann scored 16 league goals for Atletico last season, having netted 22 in his two previous seasons.
He scored his 16th international goal for France in Friday’s 5-0 friendly win against Paraguay.