Antoine Griezmann is likely to stay with Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid beyond this summer, but the France international will consider his options before making a final decision.
This was recently revealed by Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who expects Griezmann to stay put at the Vicente Calderon despite strong interest from clubs in Spain and England.
And now the France international has spoken out about his future and revealed what he would say if Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane phoned him over the next few weeks.
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"If Zidane calls me [and asks me to join Real] I will say that I'm at Atletico," Griezmann was quoted as telling Canal Plus by Goal. "Zidane is a great person, but I'm here.
"I'm even talking to renew my contract. I hope [the talks] will succeed."
Blow for Europe's top clubs
Not only will Griezmann’s comments come as a blow to Real Madrid, but they will also disappoint the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
By the sounds of it, there’s a high chance the versatile forward will put pen-to-paper on a contract extension with the Colchoneros.
Griezmann has been sensational at Atletico
The 25-year-old has been sensational for Atletico since joining the Madrid-based club from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2014.
Griezmann scored 25 goals in 53 appearances for Atleti in his debut campaign under Diego Simeone, and currently has 32 in 53 this season ahead of the Champions League final on May 28.
The Frenchman netted his 22nd league goal of the campaign in Atletico’s 2-0 win over Celta Vigo at the weekend; only Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Neymar scored more than Atleti’s number seven in La Liga this term.
Atletico stay makes sense for Griezmann
That Griezmann is keen to stay with Atletico, rather than joining a so-called “bigger club”, should come as no surprise.
The forward is the star man at the Calderon and, crucially, he’s already competing for the biggest trophies, alongside some brilliant team players and under one of Europe’s best coaches.
Staying with Atletico - for now, at least - would appear to be the most sensible decision Griezmann could make.
Should Antoine Griezmann leave Atletico Madrid this summer? Have your say by leaving a comment below.
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