Antoine Griezmann has signed a contract extension with Atlético Madrid until 2021, disappointing many of Europe’s leading clubs who had been coveting the French forward.
Atlético made the announcement on their website, saying: “Antoine Griezmann has renewed his contract with our club until 30 June, 2021. The French striker has therefore extended by one season his contractual relationship with Atletico Madrid.”
Griezmann’s decision appears to have been prompted by his belief that the coach Diego Simeone will stay with the club, the Argentinian considering his future after being beaten for a second time by Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
“I’m very satisfied, very happy to keep belonging to this family and this project. I want to improve every year, and the club, the coaches and my team-mates can help me to reach this goal,” Griezmann, who is on international duty at the Euros, said.
“The club wants to keep the level as high as possible and we have to give everything to continue growing. I hope we can keep this way and continue with this progression.”
He added: “It’s essential to continue keeping the important players, with the coach. We’re lucky to be in this club that wants to improve and reach the top and help us keep growing.”
In the two seasons since he joined from Real Sociedad the 25-year-old has been Atléti’s top scorer with 25 goals in his first campaign and 32 goals last time out.
“It’s fantastic news for all the Atléticos because it’s about an excellent player, one of the best footballers in that position, who has already proved his magnificent quality during his two first seasons with us, and he also has a huge margin for growth,” the club’s sporting director José Luis Caminero said.
“He’s very beloved and appreciated by our coach and his team-mates, and admired by the fans, who will surely feeling very happy today with this announcement. The club has a solid intention of keeping all the key players and Antoine is one of them, so we must congratulate ourselves for this renewal.”
