Atlético Madrid hit back and demand €200m from Barça for Griezmann
The Madrid club believe they are due an extra €80m as the deal between Griezmann and Barcelona was agreed before the 1st of July
Atlético de Madrid have immediately hitback after Barcelona confirmed the signing of Antoine Griezmann. Whilst Atletico Madrid find their bank account topped up by a cool €120m, they actually feel they've been short-changed. The €120m fee is considered "insufficient" as they claim an agreement was made before the 1st of July and as such, believe they are entitled to €200m - €80m more than Barça paid.
Here is Atletico Madrid's statement in full:
"Antoine Griezmann, represented by his lawyer, has appeared at the headquarters of the Professional Football League to unilaterally terminate the contract that links the player with Atlético de Madrid, with Fútbol Club Barcelona having deposited the sum of 120 million euros in the name and on behalf of the footballer.
Atlético de Madrid considers that the deposited amount is insufficient to cover his buyout clause, since it is obvious that the agreement between the player and FC Barcelona was closed before the clause was reduced from EUR 200 million to EUR 120 million. It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified the communication that the player made on 14 May announcing his disassociation from the club.
Atlético de Madrid believes that the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated the procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests."
