Barcelona Dressing Room's Surprising Reaction To Antoine Griezmann Returning To Atletico Madrid

Barcelona’s dressing room were not disappointed at Antoine Griezmann leaving the club and completing his shock summer transfer to Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

Griezmann initially left Atletico in 2019 after Barcelona triggered his £103m release clause amid a heated dispute between the two Spanish clubs over the transfer.

However, the 30-year-old French forward was often criticised during his spell at the Camp Nou, with Griezmann failing to replicate his Atletico form at Barcelona.

Griezmann made his exit from Barcelona this summer in a loan move to Atletico, with the defending La Liga champions agreeing to pay his wages in full.

Sky Italia reports that Barcelona ensured that there was an ‘obligation’ in place for Atletico to make the transfer permanent, with the fee believed to be around £34.4m.

But Griezmann’s departure from the Camp Nou was reportedly met with ‘joy’ from part of the Barcelona squad.

PA

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According to Sport, the Atletico star annoyed Barcelona players with his involvement in a documentary called ‘The Decision.’

Spanish TV station Movistar broadcasted the documentary, which focused on Griezmann’s decision to snub a move to Barcelona in 2018 and to stay at Atletico.

Football Espana added that Griezmann was ‘never part of the core group’ at Barcelona.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone had been keen to add another attacking option to his squad before the transfer window closed on 31st August.

PA

The 51-year-old Argentine previously worked with Griezmann during the France international’s first Atletico spell from 2014 to 2019.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has warned Griezmann that he could receive a mixed reception from fans after his return to the Wanda Metropolitano.

“I would understand, but what I want to say is that we are not going to gain anything with this,” he told Cadena SER.

“When he left, all I said was that in Barcelona they wouldn't love him the same as they do here. He left in a strange way, but he has shown that he was eager to return to Atletico Madrid.

“There are fans who will not like it, but there are others who were delighted with his return and, in the end, the important thing is performance and having the best squad.”

Topics: Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, La Liga, Spain, Football

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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