Antoine Griezmann reveals key reason for transfer snub and Atletico stay

Atletico Madrid striker, Antoine Griezmann, has revealed that he rejected a move to Barcelona because he does not want to be Lionel Messi’s deputy at the club.

The Atletico man rejected an 87 million Euro move to the Catalan club in June and decided to extend his deal with Atletico till 2023.

Barcelona then had to settle for the Brazilian winger, Malcom, who was signed from French Ligue 1 side, Bordeaux.

“Was it hard to refuse Barca? It was very difficult,” Givemesport quoted Griezmann as saying. “You have Barca who wants you, who calls you, who sends messages.

But my team-mates and people at the club [Atleti] did everything, they came to talk to me, they increased my salary.