‘Thank you for everything’: Antoine Griezmann confirms he is leaving Atletico Madrid as he bids farewell to club with Barcelona move imminent
Antoine Griezmann has announced his departure from Atletico Madrid with his anticipated move to Barcelona expected to be completed imminently.

Reports surfaced this week suggesting Barcelona had triggered the Frenchman’s £108million release clause after he informed the club about his desire to join the Catalans.

Griezmann, who snubbed the option to move to the Nou Camp last summer and instead committed his future to Atletico, confirmed on Tuesday evening that his time at the club is now over.

The forward bid his farewells in a heartfelt video posted on social media, saying: ‘It’s been an incredible five years; Thank you very much for everything, I take you in the heart.’

Griezmann’s announcement represents a massive U-turn, having declared Atletico was ‘my home’ in the midst of Barcelona’s pursuance of him last year.

The Frenchman only penned a new deal at Atletico worth around £22m 12 months ago but it is now believed he will sign for Barcelona ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Griezmann’s arrival in Catalan could have huge ramifications on Philippe Coutinho, who has struggled to live up to the billing since moving from Liverpool in a mega-money deal back in January 2018.

Despite the Brazilians struggles to settle in Barcelona, Coutinho has still featured regularly under Ernesto Valverde, making 53 appearances in all competitions.