Atletico Madrid News
Barcelona have received offers for Antoine Griezmann, final decision up to player – report
With less than four days left in the summer transfer window, Antoine Griezmann’s future at Atletico Madrid has seemingly received a fresh twist.
The 31-year-old is on loan at Atleti from Barcelona, having arrived last year. As per the terms of the agreement, the French international joined the Colchoneros on a two-year temporary deal with an obligation to buy for €40 million in 2023.
The purchase clause will be triggered if Griezmann plays 45 minutes or more in 50% of the matches he is available for. In order to avoid that, Los Rojiblancos have been using him for under 30 minutes so far in the new season.
But, if a fresh update from Gerard Romero is to be believed, Griezmann could end up leaving Atletico Madrid this summer itself. As per the Spanish journalist, Barcelona have already received several offers from clubs for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
However, the final decision over whether he continues at the Civitas Metropolitano or leaves for a new adventure remains up to Griezmann.
While Atletico Madrid are looking for loopholes to avoid paying the €40 million fee for Griezmann, they would be happy to keep him as long as Barcelona reduce the transfer fee amount for the obligatory purchase next year.
Manager Diego Simeone has already stated that he wishes to keep the Frenchman at the club. A similar sentiment was echoed by club president Enrique Cerezo recently, who recently said: “Antoine Griezmann is an important player in the squad and he cannot leave.”
But with new offers incoming for Griezmann, it will be interesting to see whether the former Real Sociedad forward considers those proposals or opts to continue with Atletico Madrid beyond the summer window.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid midfielder on the derby against Real Madrid: “Very difficult to beat them”
Following a 1-1 draw in their Champions League opener against Lazio, Atletico Madrid will shift all their attention to La Liga, as they brace themselves for the derby against Real Madrid this weekend.
Heading into this game, Atleti midfielder Marcos Llorente spoke about Real Madrid’s quality and Atletico Madrid’s chances of squeezing all three points from this iconic derby.
Llorente on Madrid derby
“The sensations are good. The team is very good, the other day we played a great game despite ending up drawing. I really think that the team did a great job that must be maintained for this match,” Llorente said in an interview with Diario AS.
When asked whether or not Real Madrid being tagged as favourites could aid Atleti, the midfielder said, “Honestly, it neither motivates me nor demotivates me. We simply have to do what we work on during the week, what the coach asks of us.”
Llorente stressed the importance of the game, adding, “It is a great rival we have in front of us, they are having a very good start to the season and that motivates me and everyone to try to play a good game.”
“Real Madrid is a great club, they have great players and it is very difficult to beat them. I think we have competed, we have also achieved several draws, but in the end, either you go out one hundred percent and do things very, very well or it is difficult to beat them,” he added.
A former member of the Real Madrid youth academy, Llorente joined Atletico Madrid in 2019. Since then, he has racked up over 150 competitive appearances for Los Colchoneros.
Llorente, though, said he feels no sense of vindication when he performs well against his former team.
“No. In the end, it’s been many years since I left there and I’m at Atlético. Perhaps in the first years, those types of feelings and sensations can arise, but today they no longer do,” he said.
Llorente on Vinicius, Koke & Bellingham
The Atletico Madrid star went on to talk about other aspects of the game, including the fact that his team had one less player every time they faced Real Madrid last season.
“I have zero worries. These are things that are not in our remit, that escape our hands. We play football, the referees referee and those who have to decide decide,” he said.
Llorente, in fact, said that the return of Koke could be a real boost for Atleti. “It is always good that Koke is with us, both on the field and in the day-to-day life of the game,” he said.
“Beyond the grass. The support he gives, the advice he gives us, his experience. it is always important to have him and it is great news that he is already training with us,” he added.
Talking about the absence of Vinicius Junior and the form of Jude Bellingham, Llorente said, “Well, you have to be careful with everyone. All Real Madrid players are very good and can make a difference at any moment of the game. Bellingham is having a great start and we have to take that into account and be very focused.”
Finally, Marcos Llorente put out a message for all the Atletico Madrid fans, claiming their support ahead of this crucial encounter this weekend.
“It will be a full house as always. We don’t have to tell them anything, they know the importance of this match for Atlético, we know that they never fail, they are always supporting us and we count on them,” he said.
