Atletico confirm signing of Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona

With the World Cup approaching and Griezmann keen to feature more, Atletico and Barcelona negotiated a new deal, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirming the fee during the club’s members assembly on Sunday.

In club football Griezmann biggest success has come at Atletico, winning the Europa League in 2018, as well as the UEFA Super Cup in the same year.

Atletico Madrid confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign French striker Antoine Griezmann permanently from Barcelona, on a contract until 2026.

Griezmann has been on loan at Atletico since August 2021 after a difficult spell at Camp Nou, following his 120 million euro (116.5 million dollar) move in 2019.

“Griezmann has signed a deal that links him to our club until June 30, 2026,” said Atletico in a statement on Monday.

The 2018 World Cup winner was a key figure in coach Diego Simeone’s plans last season but has largely been reduced to substitute appearances in the current campaign as Atletico tried to escape paying a reported obligatory 40 million euro purchase fee if he played over a certain number of games.

With the World Cup approaching and Griezmann keen to feature more, Atletico and Barcelona negotiated a new deal, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirming the fee during the club’s members assembly on Sunday.

“I’m very happy because it’s what I wanted since I returned,” Griezmann said in a video published by Atletico on their social networks.

“To stay at Atletico, enjoy being at the club, with the coach, my team-mates, the stadium, the fans, I did everything possible to stay here.

“When I saw there was the chance to stay for many years, I spoke with the club. I knew what they wanted from me, I didn’t think much. I didn’t care what I had to do. The one thing I wanted was to stay here.”

Reports in Spain say the 31-year-old agreed to reduce the salary he was earning at Barcelona in order to make his stay permanent.

“I will give everything for my club, the trust of the coach, the fans, Atletico,” continued Griezmann. “I’ll give everything for the badge. I could miss chances, or passes, but I will give everything until the last second, as much as I can. I want that to be seen and felt.

“The fans make the effort of having their season ticket, of coming, of supporting us from the stands. This is my homage to the fans.”

Atletico did not disclose the value of the new agreement.

Griezmann has played 303 times for the club, scoring 144 goals, across his two stints in the capital.

He netted 35 goals in 102 appearances for Barcelona, winning the Copa del Rey there in 2021.

In club football his biggest success has come at Atletico, winning the Europa League in 2018, as well as the UEFA Super Cup in the same year.