Antoine Griezmann Reveals Why He Didn’t Join Barcelona

Atletico Madrid striker, Antoine Griezmann, has revealed that he rejected a move to Barcelona because he does not want to be Lionel Messi’s deputy at the club.

The Atletico man rejected an 87 million Euro move to the Catalan club in June, and decided to extend his deal with Atletico till 2023.

Barcelona then had to settle for the Brazilian winger, Malcom, who was signed from French Ligue 1 side, Bordeaux.

“Was it hard to refuse Barca? It was very difficult,” Givemesport quoted Griezmann as saying. “You have Barca who wants you, who calls you, who sends messages.

“But then there is the club where you are, where you are an important player and where they build a project around you.

“And subconsciously, being Messi’s lieutenant may have played a part.

“But my team-mates and people at the club [Atleti] did everything, they came to talk to me, they increased my salary.

“They did everything to show that it was my home and that I shouldn’t leave. It was really complicated times, especially for my wife where I woke her up at 3am to talk about it!“