Antoine Griezmann extends contract with Atletico Madrid

The prolific French striker has decided to stay at La Liga club Atletico Madrid, despite interest from some Premier League heavyweights.

Antoine Griezmann has decided to commit his long-term future to Atletico Madrid by signing a new deal with the Madrid club. This news comes as a setback for Chelsea and Manchester United, who were previously linked with the Frenchman.

Griezmann has now committed himself to the Rojiblancos till 2021, according to the BBC. The 25 year old striker, who is currently on international duty with France at the Euro 2016, opened his goal tally for the tournament with a goal against Albania helping France top their group.

Les Blues have been tipped by the bookies as the favorites to win Euro 2016, and if they do, Griezmann is expected to have a major part to play.

The 25-year-old had joined Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad for a transfer fee of £24m in 2014. He had an immensely successful season in 2015-16, scoring 32 goals for Atleti.

“I’m very pleased, very happy to continue in this family and in this project. Every year I’m looking to improve and the club, the coaches and team-mates allow me to,” Griezmann said upon extending his contract, according to the Independent.

“On a personal level I’d like to score more goals, play more minutes and matches, assist more. My goal is always to be better than the last season. On a collective level, we are also looking to do better than the last year.”

Griezmann was the subject of constant speculation over the past 12 months as there was interest from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. The London club were still hopeful of a deal to happen before the players dispersed off with their respective countries for the European Championships, but it looks like Simeone has managed to convince Griezmann that Atletico is the best place for him to prosper and win trophies.

Griezmann is key for Atletico Madrid consolidation

Diego Simeone will be very pleased with the news of Griezmann staying, as he continues to strive to improve his already impressive Atletico squad for next season. A few days ago Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan agreed to join Atletico for a transfer fee of £19.7m. It is of paramount importance that Atletico Madrid, who came extremely close to winning their first Champions League trophy twice in the last 3 years, retain all their star players for the next season if they are to challenge the might of Real Madrid and Barcelona both domestically and in Europe.

Here are some of the fan reactions to the news that Griezmann has extended his contract at Atletico Madrid.