Ahead of Atletico Madrid’s home game against Barcelona on Saturday, Antoine Griezmann has spoken about his potential move to Barcelona.
Antoine Griezmann was heavily rumoured to be headed for the Camp Nou over the summer. He opted to stay in Madrid, though, and admits Lionel Messi played a part in that choice.
Antoine Griezmann eventually turned Barca down, and being in Messi’s shadow was one of a number of factors. He also said that the love he feels at Atletico made it easier to stay.
“Was I influenced by the fact that I would be playing for Messi as did Neymar and now Coutinho and Suarez do?” said Griezmann.
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“Yes maybe, unconsciously that was an influence but I would like to say that my teammates and people at the club did all they could for me to stay. They went to my house, they raised my salary, they had an interesting sporting project. They did everything.
“I know that I can help to grow the club and that the club can help me grow.”
Atletico Madrid, plagued by injuries, are facing a challenge to field a strong team against Barcelona on Saturday. Griezmann is still out, as are Angel Correa and Filipe Luis.
Diego Simeone welcomed back Stefan Savic, Lucas Hernandez and Diego Costa to full training on Tuesday. Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez trained alone.
Thomas Partey and Rodri also returned to training after the international break.
Atletico will be trying to break a poor run of form against the defending La Liga champions on Saturday. It has been 9 years since they have defeated either the defending or eventual Spanish league champions.
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