Antoine Griezmann set for Barcelona 

Antoine Griezmann is set to join Barcelona next season.

ANTOINE Griezmann has announced that he has told Atlético Madrid of his intention to leave the club, opening the door for a €125m (£108m) move to Barcelona this summer.

Having signed a five-year contract extension only last summer, the French forward made the shock statement on Tuesday evening via Atlético’s official social media channels after meeting with Diego Simeone – the team’s manager – and the chief executive, Miguel Ángel.

Speaking directly to the Atlético fans, the 28-year-old said: “I wanted to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave to experience new things and have new challenges. It’s been very hard for me to take this path, but I feel that it’s what I need.

“I wanted to thank you for all the love you’ve given me in these five years, in which I’ve won my first important trophies with a club. They were incredible moments that I will always remember. The truth is you’re in my heart.”

Born in Mâcon, France, Griezmann has spent his entire professional career in Spain, joining Atlético in 2014 from Real Sociedad, where he came through the academy.Griezmann has long been a transfer target for Barcelona, who are understood to be ready to pay his €125m (£108m) release clause.  His latest video will be a crushing blow to Atlético supporters, who also have to contend with the £68m departure of Lucas Hernandez to Bayern Munich and another club legend, Diego Godín. – theguardian.com