Bizarre clause in Antoine Griezmann's Barcelona contract that 'was not fulfilled'

Reports in Spain claim Antoine Griezmann used a radio interview to explain a clause he had written into his Barcelona contract.

Griezmann is quoted as saying that he had it written in his Barcelona contract that he would wear the No.7 for the club.

The France international made the move from Atletico Madrid in 2019 after Barca activated his £107 million release clause.

Griezmann signed a five-year contract at the Nou Camp and it was hoped that he would bring an extra bit of attacking quality to Barcelona.

He ended up wearing the No.17, however Griezmann revealed to Cadena SER that it was in his deal that he would sport the iconic No.7 shirt.

Griezmann wore the number at Atleti, Real Sociedad and with the France national team and it was genuinely in writing.

However, the request was not exactly honoured by Barcelona - even if Griezmann did have a seven on the back of his shirt.

At the time Philippe Coutinho was in possession of the No.7 but after the Brazilian signed for Bayern Munich on loan, Griezmann did end up getting his favourite number in his second season.

He scored 13 times in La Liga in his second campaign but there was still the feeling that he didn't quite fit in at Barca and so he headed back to Atleti on a two-year loan.

Reports indicated that Los Rojiblancos would have to sign him permanently for €40 million in the event that Griezmann played in 50% games he was available for.

Image: Alamy

His first campaign back at the Wanda Metropolitano saw him feature in 80% of matches and so in order to bring the percentage down, Atleti seemed to develop a cunning plan whereby they limited his game-time.

For a period, Griezmann was brought on after the 60th minute in every game. Eventually Atleti and Barca resolved the matter with a €20 million transfer that could see a further €4 million paid in add-ons, with Griezmann now contracted until 2026.