Griezmann ends PL speculation by signing new Atletico deal

Ian Watson
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Antoine Griezmann has signed a contract extension with Atletico Madrid, the Primera Division club have announced.

The prolific France international had been linked with a big-money move away from Atletico this summer but he has now committed his future to the Rojiblancos.

An Atletico statement read: “Antoine Griezmann has renewed his contract with our club until June 30th, 2021.

“The French striker has therefore extended by one season his contractual relationship with Atletico Madrid.”

The 25-year-old was already a regular scorer for previous club Real Sociedad but he has developed into one of the game’s leading forwards since joining Atletico for £24million in 2014.

He struck 25 goals in all competitions for Atletico in his first season at the club, and last term finished with 32 goals as Diego Simeone’s side reached the Champions League final and finished third in La Liga.

That impressive form saw Griezmann emerge as a reported transfer target for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, but the Macon-born forward has now decided to stay in the Spanish capital.

He said: “I’m very pleased, very happy to continue in this family and in this project. Every year I’m looking to improve and the club, the coaches and my team-mates allow me to do that.”

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The striker, who is currently on international duty at Euro 2016, added of his aims for the future: “On a personal level I’d like to score more goals, play more minutes and matches, assist more… My goal is always to be better than the last season.

“On a collective level, we are also looking to do better than the last year.”

Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero said on his club’s website: “I think it’s great news for everyone involved with Atletico because it’s about an excellent player, one of the best in his position, who has already proved his immense quality during his first two seasons with us, and he also has a huge margin for growth.

“He’s a player dearly loved and appreciated by our coach and by his team-mates, and admired by the fans, who I’m sure will be very happy today with this news.”