MX23RW : Tuesday, September 18 09:53:32

Antoine Griezmann: 'It was hard saying no to Barcelona'

Griezmann: 'Hard saying no to Barcelona'
© Reuters
Antoine Griezmann admits that "it is hard" saying no to a club of Barcelona's stature after opting to stay at Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window.

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has confessed that 'it was hard' turning down interest from La Liga rivals Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Following months of drawn-out speculation, the France international announced during the World Cup that he would be remaining at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Griezmann, who Barca were reportedly prepared to pay around £90m to sign, believes that he made the right choice in opting to stick around at a club where he feels loved by the supporters.

"It's like when you get love at home. You're not going to go anywhere else," he told L'Equipe. "At the club, they've done everything to make me feel good, including efforts to sign important players and create a great team.

"I feel like the base, or the most important piece of the puzzle. That's what made me stay. It's hard to say no to clubs like Barca but, really, I'm fine here. It's my home and I want to do something great."

Griezmann lifted the Europa League with Atletico last season and then went on to win the World Cup with France during the summer.

Share this article now:
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets with Lionel Messi after his side's Spanish Super Cup win in August 2018
Read Next:
Barcelona to tie down four more players?
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona44001431112
2Real Madrid4310113810
3Celta Vigo42117527
4Espanyol42115327
5Getafe42114227
6GironaGirona421156-17
7AlavesAlaves421134-17
8Athletic Bilbao31205415
9Atletico MadridAtletico412134-15
10Real Betis412113-25
11Levante41126514
12Sevilla41124404
13Real Sociedad411267-14
14Villarreal411223-14
15EibarEibar411246-24
16Huesca4112612-64
17Valencia403135-23
18Rayo Vallecano310225-33
19Real Valladolid402202-22
20Leganes401349-51

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account