Antoine Griezmann has revealed how ‘being number two to Lionel Messi’ may have influenced his decision not to join Barcelona this summer.
The Frenchman decided to remain at Atletico Madrid and sign a new deal after a long-term pursuit by the Catalan giants, ending months of speculation.
“Being second to Messi may have influenced my decision,” Griezmann told Canal Plus, as cited by El Espanol.
“It was difficult to refuse Barcelona’s offer, in fact it was very difficult. They made it clear they wanted me, they called me, they sent me messages…it was pressures.
“But then you also have the players, you have your family and the club where you already are an important player, who have promised to build around you.
“Atleti showed they wanted me, they told me how important I was, how they increased my salary, the players and Coach talked to me and explained everything.
“Everything was done to persuade me not to leave, and I would have spoken to my wife at 3am to talk about it – but I made the right decision.”
