Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann reacts in disbelief as he fails to score against FC Barcelona in their match last Feb. 1. (Photo : Getty Images/Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno)
Antoine Griezmann is one of the most sought after footballers in the world right now, being linked with the big clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United every transfer window. However, the president of his current club Atletico Madrid has made claims that Griezmann will not be leaving the squad any time in the near future.
Griezmann is happy with his situation at Atletico, as evidenced by him signing a new bumper contract last summer. He will see this contract run out in 2021, but of course, there are plenty of opportunities for him to sign on for a couple more years until then. However, this has not stopped Manchester United from attempting to sign the forward, as they are reportedly willing to meet his massive £85 million ($106 million) buyout clause.
Griezmann has been in scintillating form this season and those before it, so it comes as no surprise to football fans that United are willing to do anything in their power to gain his services. He has 15 goals so far in 31 appearances for his club and was a starter for his national side in a runner-up run in the Euro 2016 tournament.
"I believe in the contracts that people sign, that goes for [Diego] Simeone and Griezmann," said Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo in a press conference, as cited by Sky Sports. He further joked during the conference that United were a "small club," further signaling his belief that Griezmann will not make the move to Manchester.
Cerezo further strengthened his stance of wanting to keep Griezmann at his club despite all the speculation that Griezmann will move on in the summer. The club president told Spanish publication Cadena COPE that he is glad to have Griezmann on his team and that he gives him a hug every time they cross paths.
Manchester United are currently in a six-way battle for the four Champions League spots the English premiership has to offer. Not qualifying for the prestigious competition may severely hurt their chances of signing Griezmann, but the same situation did not deter his fellow Frenchman Paul Pogba from making his record-breaking move from Juventus to the red side of Manchester. It would not be wise for Atletico to sell though, as they are currently facing a transfer ban, which means they cannot replace Griezmann if he left.
Watch some of Griezmann's footballing highlights in the video below:
