MX23RW : Wednesday, November 20 18:27:45| >> :60:1862:1862:

Antoine Griezmann: 'It was hard saying no to Barcelona'

Antoine Griezmann admits that "it is hard" saying no to a club of Barcelona's stature after opting to stay at Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window.

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has confessed that 'it was hard' turning down interest from La Liga rivals Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Following months of drawn-out speculation, the France international announced during the World Cup that he would be remaining at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Griezmann, who Barca were reportedly prepared to pay around £90m to sign, believes that he made the right choice in opting to stick around at a club where he feels loved by the supporters.

"It's like when you get love at home. You're not going to go anywhere else," he told L'Equipe. "At the club, they've done everything to make me feel good, including efforts to sign important players and create a great team.

"I feel like the base, or the most important piece of the puzzle. That's what made me stay. It's hard to say no to clubs like Barca but, really, I'm fine here. It's my home and I want to do something great."

Griezmann lifted the Europa League with Atletico last season and then went on to win the World Cup with France during the summer.

ID:335052: cacheID:335052:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2202:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets with Lionel Messi after his side's Spanish Super Cup win in August 2018
Read Next:
Barcelona to tie down four more players?
>
Read more about Antoine Griezmann Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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!