Griezmann handed strong message in showdown talks with Barcelona

Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann Barcelona TEAMtalk

Barcelona have told forward Antoine Griezmann that he will remain a vital part of the team next season, according to a report.

The Frenchman has had an underwhelming debut season in Catalonoia after his move from Atletico Madrid.

Indeed, reports have claimed that Barca, who need to raise funds this summer, could sell the striker.

Speculation over Griezmann’s future mounted after the recent 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid. Boss Quique Setien only brought the forward on with a minute to go against his former side, despite the match level at 2-2.

However, according to L’Equipe, Barcelona “swept away” any doubts over his future in talks on Tuesday. Griezmann was flanked by his representatives and faced Barca’s top officials.

The newspaper says sporting director Eric Abidal said to Griezmann: “We count a lot on you.”

The talks came after Griezmann’s family members hit out at the club’s treatment of the 29-year-old. Following the draw with Atletico, his brother Theo said he “felt like crying”.

His father, meanwhile said: “In order to apologise you first need the the keys of the lorry and that is not the case, because he is simply a passenger.”

GRIEZMANN’S EMPHATIC RESPONSE

Antoine Griezmann Barcelona TEAMtalk

Griezmann and Barcelona responded to the 2-2 draw with Atletico by thumping Villarreal 4-1 last weekend.

Griezmann played up top with Luis Suarez, scoring a fantastic chipped goal, and Setien expressed his delight at his side’s performance.

“I felt truly satisfied with the performance and I’m sure the players did too because they played a great game and enjoyed themselves,’ Setien said (via the Daily Mail).

“I would like to play like this in every game but it’s not an exact science. Every game is different but today we did everything right.”

However, the result did nothing to close the gap between Barca and Real Madrid, which remains four points.

Barcelona’s next two games see them face Espanyol and Valladolid. The club’s final home game of the season comes against Osasuna, before a trip to Alaves ends the campaign.