Gil Marin: We are fed up with Barca

Atletico Madrid have issued a statement about the Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona saga, containing some harsh words from chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin.

It follows reports in Spain that Barca have told Los Rojiblancos they are willing to pay the €100m release clause in the French striker’s contract from July 1 – which today is thought to stand at €200m – and Gil Marin was particularly scathing towards Barca President Josep Maria Bartomeu.  

“We are sick of Barcelona’s attitude,” read the official communication. “That a President (Bartomeu), a player (Luis Suarez) and a board member (Guillermo Amort) from the same club talk as they do about the future of a player with an existing contract, and a few days before playing in the final of a European competition, seems to me an absolute lack of respect for Atletico Madrid and all its fans.

“Atletico Madrid’s position with respect to this is very clear and has been made public on numerous occasions. At no time have we negotiated about Griezmann and have no intention of doing so. Personally, I told the Barcelona President months ago the player’s rights are not for sale and nor will we sell them.

“Furthermore, I also made him see that his inappropriate conduct was contrary to the integrity of the competition, since during the season we have been competing for the league title and Barcelona have been permanently pressurising one of the most relevant players in our team.

“I also told him at the time that in the event the player exercised his right of rescission as a consequence of the pressure exercised throughout the season, Atletico Madrid would demand from Barcelona, before the appropriate bodies, the compensation that corresponds to their inappropriate behaviour.

“Now it is okay. I hope this statement will allow us to enjoy this moment and be able to prepare for a final as appropriate.”

La Liga - Club News