Antoine Griezmann will not be joining Manchester United this summer.
As recently as last week, the Atletico Madrid forward was thought to be destined for Old Trafford in this window as reports of a transfer request from the Frenchman got United fans’ hearts racing.
But the news of Atletico’s transfer ban being upheld prompted a quick turnaround as, firstly, Griezmann seemed to confirm his allegiances to the La Liga side before United appeared to change transfer priorities.
Ahora más que nunca #Atleti #Todosjuntos 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/nfxcwInM2B
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) June 1, 2017
The deal looks very much off and, as suspected, Atletico’s transfer ban, coupled with Griezmann’s loyalty to the club he has represented for three years, was the reason for his decision to stay at the Vicente Calderon.
Speaking to French outlet Telefoot, Griezmann explained how it would be unfair of him to turn his back on the club with the knowledge that they would be unable to replace him in the transfer window.
“I have said all season I have said that I felt good and I wanted to stay. Now the transfer embargo has been imposed,” he said, as translated by ESPN.
“With the directors of the club, we have decided to stay. There is still a beautiful season to be done and we hope to get some new signings in January.
“It is a difficult moment for the club, for the players, and it would not be right to leave now. I have spoken with the directors.”
Atletico were believed to be planning to cash in on Griezmann’s £87 million release clause before using some of the funds to bring in Alexandre Lacazette, a close friend and international teammate of Griezmann.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU2kXqBAmKE/?taken-by=antogriezmann&hl=en
Griezmann was also asked about the potential deal for Lacazette and he confirmed that Atleti had intended to bring the Lyon forward in this summer before their ban was upheld.
“Yes it is a shame for him, because he would have come,” he added. “But that is the way it is. I hope he does well between September until December and then the door opens again.”
