Simeone on Griezmann's future: I hope he is a success at Barcelona
The Atletico Madrid coach would ideally like to be reunited with the Frenchman this summer
Diego Simeone has spoken about Antoine Griezmann's future in an interview with the Madrid newspapers Marca and Diario AS.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have held talks about a swap deal involving Griezmann and Saul Niguez but Simeone says he wants the French forward to be a success at Camp Nou.
"I have a nice relationship with Griezmann beyond just the sporting relationship, given my kids play with his," Simeone explained.
"Beyond what he gave Atletico, I want things to go well for him at Barça. He is an extraordinary player. At Barça. having seasons lacking consistency, he's not dropped below 20 goals a season.
"They are good numbers and I hope we can see the player we've see at the Euros, the World Cup and in the five years with us at Atletico. I don't want anything other than for him to succeed at Barça."
However, Simeone did say "there are positions to improve" at Atletico and "we need a striker."
He added: "If Griezmann doesn't come, another will. The club will decide what's best financially. We have to analyse the situation and act appropriately. We've spoken about several players. We're working on a forward to increase the internal competition."
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