Atletico Madrid confirm Antoine Griezmann's departure: Details here
What's the story
French striker Antoine Griezmann is set to leave the Spanish club Atletico Madrid this summer, the club confirmed on Tuesday. With this, Griezmann would end his five-year stay with Atletico. He enjoyed a productive stint with them. While his future plans have not been revealed yet, as per reports he is likely to join rivals Barcelona, after being linked over the past few years.
Twitter Post
Griezmann to quit next summer
.@AntoGriezmann ha comunicado al club que no seguirá como rojiblanco la próxima temporada.
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 14, 2019
Quote
It's been an incredible five years: Griezmann
"It's been an incredible five years. Thank you for everything. I wanted to tell the fans who have always given me a lot of love that I have taken the decision to leave, to see other things, to have other challenges," said Griezmann on Twitter.
Atletico's star
Griezmann played a pivotal role in Atletico's success
Griezmann has been one of Atletico's biggest stars over the past five years. The Frenchman has played 256 games for the club, scoring 133 goals. He is also their fifth highest goal scorer, while the list is dominated by Luis Aragonés, who scored 172 goals. He won three silverware with the club. Prior to joining Atletico, he was with Real Sociedad .
Twitter Post
Griezmann looks back at his memorable five years in Atletico
.@AntoGriezmann: "Han sido cinco años increíbles; muchas gracias por todo, os llevo en el corazón". pic.twitter.com/9XorY05u1T
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 14, 2019
Big loss
Griezmann third big player to leave Atletico next season
Atletico have been dealt with severe blows as Griezmann will become the third star to leave the club in the upcoming summer. Prior to him, it was reported that Lucas Hernandez is on his way to Bayern Munich next season, while captain Diego Godin too would not be renewing his contract at the end of the term.
Information
Barcelona willing to pay €120 million for Griezmann
As of now, the BBC has stated that Barca are willing to play a whopping €120 million for Griezmann. However, there are reports that English giants Liverpool and French champions Paris Saint-Germain too are looking to acquire the services of the French footballer.
Author's take
A gamble on Griezmann's part to leave Atletico?
It was only last year that Griezmann had revealed in his documentary 'The Decision', his home is Atletico Madrid. However, a year later, deciding to leave for new challenges does baffle the author. While we feel that Griezmann is a rare talent and can make an impact for any club, the author still feels that this is a big gamble on his part.
Information
Griezmann and Atletico aim to finish La Liga on high
While Griezmann decides his future, Atletico will have to find three replacements. As of now, they will aim to finish the ongoing La Liga season on a high, as they prepare to face Levante in the final game of the season. Atletico sit on second-spot.