Antoine Griezmann Releases Statement Confirming He Will Leave Atletico Madrid

Antoine Griezmann has nearly left Atletico Madrid more often than a disgruntled five year old threatens to leave home, only to go as far as the corner of the road, but now the Frenchman will leave this summer.

Two summers ago Antoine Griezmann was more than ready to pack up his bags, leave Atletico Madrid and move to Manchester United. Once Atleti got a transfer ban the Frenchman decided to stay where he was.

A year later and Griezmann was at it again. This time he looked certain to leave the Spanish capital for a life in Barcelona and teased a video where he would announce his decision, during the World Cup no less.

In the end though the video was just him confirming that he was staying with Diego Simeone's side and all was good with the world.

On Tuesday evening there were rumours that he'd told Atleti of his intention to leave in the summer and not long after the club announced the news.

In a video on social media the French forward spoke in a video saying, "It has been five incredible years, thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart".

Barcelona will once again be expected to be the 28 year old's destination, although they may need to sell one of their current forwards to afford the Frenchman.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Griezmann's release clause is due to drop to 120 million euros, from 200 million euros, on July 1st.

With Atleti not getting close to any silverware this season it does beg the question what exactly the former Real Sociedad forward gained from staying an extra year in the Spanish capital.

Will Griezmann end up at Barcelona?