Antoine Griezmann keeps saying that he wants to stay at Atletico Madrid
Antoine Griezmann has been the subject of transfer speculation for more than a year now, mostly with newspaper after newspaper reporting Manchester United's interest. But the Frenchman is still at Atletico Madrid, in part because Diego Simeone convinced him to stay last summer. But earlier this week, Simeone hinted that Griezmann could leave.
What was Griezmann's response to the talk of his exit?
"My future? I only care about what happens on the pitch," Griezmann said to Telefoot. "I am happy in Madrid. Nothing changes."
So that settles that? Not quite.
There's reason to believe Griezmann is happy at Atletico Madrid and it's hardly a done deal he'll leave. It may not even be likely that leaves. That €100 million release clause is awfully steep, even if Atleti are willing to come down on it a lot. But still.
Manchester United have obvious appeal and they're plenty flush with cash. They can pay a huge fee and still give Griezmann wages well beyond what Atleti can afford. The lure is there.
What this could come down to is whether Manchester United make the Champions League next season. Their case to Griezmann goes way down if they can't offer Champions League football, but if they can squeeze into the top four or win the Europa League, the Frenchman will be tempted.
So the speculation continues, as it has for more than a year. And it won't stop anytime soon.
