Pique: Told Barca about Griezmann

Gerard Pique insists he told Barcelona about Antoine Griezmann’s decision to stay at Atletico Madrid ‘as soon as I knew’.

Pique reportedly infuriated Barca with his involvement in Griezmann’s ‘La Decision’ documentary on Thursday, which saw the attacker confirm his commitment to Atleti, despite the Catalans being heavily linked with a transfer.

However, the defender clarified after Spain’s 3-3 World Cup draw with Portugal: “People are questioning my commitment to the club, which is most undoubted…

“I spoke to Griezmann a few months ago, and he told me that there was the possibility of joining [Barca].

“When he made his decision, I said we could record it. I didn’t keep track of what was going on every day and I didn’t know the decision he was going to make.

“Yesterday they called me and told me that it was being aired. I asked what he decided, they told me he was staying and that’s how it went.

“I didn’t advise him, I only put cameras to show people how difficult [his decision] was. As soon as I knew, I told the club. Two endings weren’t recorded.

“Only what was seen was recorded. Everything new generates debate and it’s good that people saw how a decision was made.

“Bartomeu? I talked to him, everything’s fine. He’s a bit annoyed because he hoped [Griezmann] would come, but in the end he didn’t.

“Barcelona are above all this and there are many other players who want to come here. Ultimately, people give more importance to everything that’s been said.

“It was a programme that brings players closer together. I wasn’t there for help him decide. I’m a person who helps people make decisions.

“Retiring after the World Cup? When I say something, I mean it. We hope to win it and go on in the best possible way.”

Tags 2018 World Cup Antoine Griezmann Gerard Pique Portugal Spain
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