ATLETICO MADRID have ended their transfer stalemate with Barcelona over star Antoine Griezmann, announcing the Frenchman’s full return in a £21million move.
Griezmann, 31, re-joined Atletico in August 2021 on a two-year loan following an unsuccessful spell at the Nou Camp that cost Barca over £100m.
A bizarre clause meant Atletico would have to buy Griezmann permanently for £35m if he played 30 minutes or more in over half their matches.
To get around it, Atletico have often sent the 31-year-old on as a sub after the hour mark.
The two sides have since negotiated a new deal worth £21m despite Barca having previously threatened to take legal action.
Griezmann has expressed his joy at the permanent return to the Metropolitano Stadium, where he is now under contract until 2026.
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The 2018 World Cup winner said on Twitter: “Happy to be where I want to be! Thanks to all! @Atleti!”
Griezmann made the most of the bad situation between Atletico and Barca before the transfer.
He competed in all of Atletico’s matches, scoring three and providing two assists.
Griezmann was also named Atletico’s Player of the Month for September.
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He could make his fourth start of the season against Club Brugge on Wednesday with Atletico’s Champions League status under threat.
The 2021 Spanish champions are currently bottom of Group B with three games left to go.
They are, however, level on points with second and third place Porto and Bayer Leverkusen.
Club Brugge are cruising on nine points, and are on course to make the knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since the 70s.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
