Griezmann announces Atletico exit

Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid this summer

Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid he will leave the club this summer.

In a farewell message on the club’s website, the forward said: “It’s been an incredible five years; Thank you very much for everything, I take you in the heart.”

Griezmann, 28, has been linked with a move to Atletico’s La Liga rivals Barcelona since last summer, and speculation has only intensified since the Catalonian club were embarrassed by Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final.

Griezmann has been at Atletico for five years

Sky Sports News understands Barcelona are ready to pay Griezmann’s £108m release clause.

Last summer, Griezmann released a half-hour long documentary on Spanish TV station Movistar to tell fans where his future would lie – Barcelona or Atletico.

Having recorded two endings – one which said he would stay, and another which said he would go – Griezmann revealed he would continue playing with Atletico.

Griezmann went on to lift the World Cup with France one month later, scoring four goals, including one in the 4-2 final win over Croatia.

Atletico will finish the season second in La Liga and without a trophy after blowing a 2-0 first-leg home lead in the Champions League last-16 against Juventus.

Griezmann joined from Real Sociedad in 2014. Last season he helped Atletico win the Europa League.

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