Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona now just a question of when
No one doubts that the France striker will leave Atletico this summer
Antoine Griezmann touched the sky in Lyon, where he led Atletico Madrid to the Europa League trophy with a performance with more than a hint of a goodbye about it.
Four years after joining the club, the French forward said goodbye to Atletico in the best way possible, playing a key role in a final and winning a trophy. He didn't formally say farewell (and repeated it wasn't the moment to talk about his future) but there were more than enough signals.
During the celebration he measured his gestures: he was happy, aware that his goals had decided the game, but he was careful not to commit to Atleti beyond this season or to show any signs of loyalty to the club.
Nearly all his teammates are trying to get him to stay. Coach Diego Simeone insisted that Atletico "are not far from other clubs" and CEO Gil Marian sent a desperate message, assuring Griezmann he can make history if he stays where he is.
AN irreversible DECISION
Griezmann has kept his word and performed for Simeone until the end of the season, which will help ease his goodbye with the club's supporters: his relationship with the fans has been up and down (whistles included) but the Europa League serves as reconciliation.
The player will officially tell Atletico his decision next week: he wants to go to the World Cup knowing his futute.
BARCELONA's STANCE
From there, everything depends on Barça: the Catalan club will decide how and when to pay the buyout clause (100 million euros from July 1) and in what financial year to include the operation in: whether in 2017-18 or 2018-19.
