Gobe!! Atletico Madrid Chief Makes Antoine Griezmann Transfer Pledge

 

Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin insists the club will do whatever it takes to keep hold of Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann is widely viewed as one of the best forwards in Europe and there is considerable interest in him.

Manchester United attempted to sign him last summer but the France star opted to remain with Atletico after their transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 26-year-old remains on United’s radar but the Premier League side also face competition from Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain.

In the summer, Griezmann’s release clause in his contract will drop to £88million which all three clubs are capable of paying.

Atletico chief Marin is well aware of the speculation surrounding the player.

And he says the club don’t want to lose Griezmann and revealed they went to great lengths to convince him to stay.

Marin told reporters at a media event:

“I can not tell you because it does not depend on us, we made an effort last summer, far beyond the real possibilities of Atlético to stay, we will do it again next summer.

“What we would love is ... it took us a lot to get these two players together, Antoine and Diego Costa, I think it's going to be very good for the twoof them to compete together, it's going to be very good for Atlético, it's going to be good for the technicians.

"Atletico does not want to sell him now or in the summer, for us he is a very important player who has grown a lot with us, we have grown up with him, our intention is to keep growing all together and I would love him continue with us."

Marin then admitted Griezmann's contract, which ends in 2022, contains a release clause of £178m until July next year, when it will become £88m.

He said: "Until July 1, Griezmann's release clause is €200m (£178m).”