There have been months of speculation about the future of Antoine Griezmann. Today, it appears as that it's all been laid to rest.
After being refreshingly honest about the chances of a move to Manchester United, it looked like the Frenchman was moving.
However, the Red Devils apparently cooled on Griezmann during the week and the forward confirmed yesterday his plans for the summer.
Atleti and city rivals Real were hit with transfer bans last year. Neither club was allowed register new players for two transfer windows. A subsequent appeal against the ban was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It means Atletico will be unable to sign players until the January 2018 transfer window.
Speaking earlier on Telefoot, a French morning show, Griezmann confirmed he was staying with Atleti, adding that leaving during the transfer ban would have been a 'dirty move'.
The ruling of the CAS has come through. Atlético cannot recruit. With my sporting advisor, Eric Olhats, we decided to stay. It’s a hard time for the club. It would be a dirty move to leave now. We talked to the leaders and we will be back for next season. There is another beautiful season to be had.
That will be music to Diego Simeone’s ears. Griezmann was once again the top scorer for Atletico in La Liga. He found the net 26 times in 53 appearances in all competitions this season.
The question remains though. Once this ban is lifted in January, will we see all of the speculation once more? Only time will tell. It’s reported that he has a £100 million release clause set in his contract.
Atletico were said to be looking at Alexandre Lacazette as a replacement had the ban been lifted. Griezmann was asked about his fellow Frenchman on Telefort, confirming his replacement.
Yes it is a shame for him, because he would have come. In December, we will be knocking on the door again
For now, he remains in the red and white of Atletico.
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