MX23RW : Thursday, May 2 13:20:26| >> :60:3243:3243:

Josep Bartomeu: 'Barcelona players didn't oppose Antoine Griezmann signing'

Bartomeu: 'Barcelona players didn't oppose Griezmann'
© Reuters
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists that senior players did not oppose the club's decision to sign Antoine Griezmann this summer.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has made it clear that the dressing room did not oppose the signing of Antoine Griezmann.

The club, having pursued Griezmann for the past 18 months, secured the Frenchman's signature for a fee of £108m earlier in the summer.

However, it has been reported that the senior players, including Lionel Messi, wanted the club to place emphasis on bringing about a return to Camp Nou for Neymar.

Speaking to Barca TV, Bartomeu said: "The dressing room did not reject us signing Griezmann.

"The players don't give their opinions on signings, it is the technical team who decide."

Although Barcelona have endured a shaky start to the 2019-20 campaign, winning one of their opening three games, Griezmann was extremely impressive during a 5-2 win over Real Betis, scoring twice and claiming an assist.

Reports have suggested that the Catalans could face a legal challenge over Griezmann, with Atletico Madrid claiming that, since negotiations commenced in March, they are owed an extra €80m (£72.1m) due to a clause in Griezmann's previous contract.

ID:370673: cacheID:370673:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2435:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona captain Lionel Messi watches on ahead of their match against Liverpool on May 1, 2019
Read Next:
Bartomeu 'calm' over Messi's Barca future
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!