Griezmann justifies Barça snub: It was not about money

Antoine Griezmann has spoken to Diario AS, broaching subjects such as the offer he turned down from Barcelona this summer and where he stands in the game when compared with stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

"I didn't stay at Atletico Madrid for money, because money's not the most important thing for me," he said. "I stayed where I was most wanted, where they give me the most love. [Although] I was really pissed off about what happened in the final game of the season at the Wanda, you can see that on the images," he said of being jeered against Eibar last season. 

"But I also understand the fans because a lot had been said. I didn't speak because I wanted to focus on football and in the end, it converted into something that no one wanted. But you learn from everything. But to stay for money? Never. If that was the case, I would go to China. I am happy at Atletico. I have a coach that wants me and gives me confidence and I have teammates that believe in me. And then there are supporters that want me and I saw that in the first game this season at home." 

As for his documentary, to announce his decision to snub Barça's offer, Griezmann added: "I knew there would be good and bad comments because it was something new. But it was something that I wanted to show, so people could see that it's not as easy choosing chewing gum: I want this one or this one. It's not like that. It was something important, a decision for the future. It's not about one year, but four, five... 

"Saying no to Barcelona shows the grandeur of Atletico, Cholo, my teammates... I have faith in them. If they were no good, I would go. But I have confidence in Cholo, the club and my teammates. I want to help them to grow and I believe they can help me grow as well. We give each other a lot mutually and everything is positive for this [project] to go even further." 

Messi & Cristiano

Meanwhile, Griezmann also said in the interview with Diario AS that "I now believe I am eating at the same table as Messi and Ronaldo. I know other players are emerging and I am conscious that I can improve my game too. This is a driving force for me, improve, win more and keep winning by playing in the manner we play."