Is Griezmann to Barcelona still on? Atletico star reveals 'the decision is taken' - 7M sport

Is Griezmann to Barcelona still on? Atletico star reveals 'the decision is taken'



Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Is Griezmann to Barcelona still on? Atletico star reveals 'the decision is taken'

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann this afternoon once again failed to provide a definitive statement on his future, but did reveal that he has made his decision regarding where he will be playing his club football next season.

Saga
Manchester United's chase of French forward Griezmann was one of the talking points of the early weeks of last summer's transfer window, with Jose Mourinho having identified the 27-year-old as the ideal addition to his attacking ranks at Old Trafford.

However, any potential move was put on hold when Griezmann himself confirmed that he would not leave Atletico in the midst of their transfer ban, with the Red Devils having since opted to bring in Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez instead as a result.

Jose Mourinho recently confirmed that United will not be targeting attacking reinforcements this summer, with the Manchester giants set to focus their attentions on midfield and defensive additions.

Release clause
This has led to mounting reports that Barcelona are now viewed as the clear leading contenders for Griezmann's signature, with the Blaugrana having long been touted as a potential destination for the French international.

Griezmann's 200 million Euro Atletico release clause reportedly drops to 100 million Euro this summer, making a potential deal for any and all suitors markedly more realistic.

Is Griezmann to Barcelona still on? Atletico star reveals 'the decision is taken'

Done deal?
In additon, adding weight to the Griezmann to Barca rumours back in February was a report from journalist Albert Roge (later backed by the reliable Cat Radio), which ensured that a deal to send Atletico's star man to the Camp Nou this summer was '100%' certain:

'It is closed, yes, although obviously neither of the two parties will confirm it. At Sport we have already been informed of the private agreement that exists between both and Griezmann will be Barca's in the summer 100%.'

'False'
However, when it was put to Griezmann himself during an interview with Telefoot last month that, according to their information, he was engaged in 'advanced talks' with Barcelona over a move to the club at the end of the season, the Frenchman sniped:

'I don't know where you get this information, but it is false.'

Talks confirmed
Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu, though, since confirmed for the first time that talks between the club and Griezmann's entourage over a transfer had indeed taken place, during an interview with RAC1:

'I saw Griezmann one day on holiday. We met with his agent, yes. It was in October.'

Conflicting reports
However, reports over the last couple of weeks have since widely varied regarding Griezmann's will, with some outlets insistent that the Frenchman has in fact changed his mind with regards to making the move to the Camp Nou.

Others have claimed, though, that the hostile reception provided by Atletico's fans for Griezmann during the club's final home fixture of the season had pushed the Rojiblancos' talisman further towards the Wanda Metropolitano exit door.

'This week'
Whatever the case may be, Griezmann revealed to reporters following France's 1-1 victory versus the USA on Saturday night that he was finally set to provide a statement on his future this coming week:

'There's a week to go (before the World Cup). I think we will find out (about my future) this week.'

As such, when it was announced that the Atletico star was set to speak to the media in a press conference this afternoon, there were widespread suggestions that Griezmann would finally reveal his plans for next season.

However, despite unsurprisingly being grilled on his future by the journalists in attendance, the 27-year-old once again failed to confirm where he will be plying his trade come August:

'There will be no announcement today', Griezmann explained.

But, while the Rojiblancos talisman may not have provided the answer that those in attendance and fans around the world have been waiting for, Griezmann did drop a hint that he could well be on the move over the coming months, when he divulged:

'The decision is taken. It's just not the moment to tell it.'

As has since been pointed out by countless fans online, such a statement would not make much sense if Griezmann was planning on remaining with Atletico next season, with the gifted attacker seemingly hinting that he in fact does have big news to share, just not yet.



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