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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Jack Rathborn

Antoine Griezmann transfer: Barcelona favourites to sign Atletico Madrid forward after PSG and Man City rule themselves out of running

Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid this summer but neither Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain will be his next club.

That’s because Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel have ruled their clubs out of the running days after Griezmann revealed his decision to end his five-year spell in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona are widely expected to pay Griezmann’s reduced release clause of €120 million when it arrives on July 1. 

The City boss insists Barcelona can rest easy as they will not rival his former club for the France international because he is too expensive. 

“People from Barcelona don’t have to be worried,” Guardiola revealed. “we are not going to buy Griezmann. We don’t have the money”.

While PSG boss Tuchel  insists the club must improve in other areas of the pitch. 

“He (Griezmann) could play for any team in the world,” Tuchel proclaimed.

“However, he is unrealistic for us. In any case, we should start by concentrating on defensive reinforcements.”

Griezmann released a video on social media explaining his decision, emphasising the club would remain in his heart. 

“It has been five incredible years, thank you very much for everything,” said Griezmann in a video posted on social media to Atletico supporters. “I carry you in my heart.

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann will move on this summer (AFP/Getty Images)

“After speaking with [Diego Simeone]... and the club hierarchy, I wanted to speak with you, the fans, who have always given me a lot of love, to tell you I have taken the decision to leave, to see other things, to have other challenges.

“The truth is it has been difficult to take this route, but it is what I feel I need and I would like to thank all of you for the love you have shown me during these five years.”

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