Griezmann 'cried with happiness' after joining Barca from Atletico

Antoine Griezmann reflected on his move to Barcelona and playing alongside Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.

Published : Jul 21, 2019 10:42 IST

Barcelona recruit Antoine Griezmann will link up with superstar and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.
Barcelona recruit Antoine Griezmann will link up with superstar and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.
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Barcelona recruit Antoine Griezmann will link up with superstar and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.

Antoine Griezmann said he cried tears of joy after his transfer to La Liga champion Barcelona was finalised.

Griezmann left Atletico Madrid for Barca after the Spanish giants triggered the French World Cup winner's €120million release clause .

The transfer ended months of speculation following Griezmann's announcement that he was departing Atletico after five years.

Reflecting on his move to Barca, Griezmann told Marca: "I called my father and I started to cry with happiness because I was there, everything was done.

"I was with my friends, my wife and my children and it was an incredible moment."

"I just wanted to end my holiday and start this new challenge," he said. "The dressing room have welcomed me very well: players, coaching staff and doctors. For the moment, I'm enjoying it and let's hope I can get enough confidence to speak, be myself and enjoy."

READ | Is Antoine Griezmann past his peak? A look at the star's career in numbers

Griezmann will link up with Barca superstar and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi at Camp Nou. Messi led the way for Barca in 2018-19, scoring 51 goals in all competitions as Ernesto Valverde's side retained its La Liga crown ahead of Griezmann's Atletico.

"It will be amazing [to play alongside him]," Griezmann added. "I'm excited to see what he's like day to day, what he's like in training, [I want to] catch him doing things in training that I will try to repeat or do in my own way and get to know him on and off the pitch.

READ | Playing next to him is an incredible joy - Griezmann ready to link with Messi

"I can't wait for him to arrive. I will be ready to do whatever it takes: for him, for the club and for the players."

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