Griezmann extends Atletico contract by a year

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has extended his contract by a year, with his new deal expiring in 2022 at the Spanish giants.

This is following the Club’s transfer ban upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week. The La Liga best player penned a five-year deal which includes an £87 million release clause.

The France international had been heavily linked with a summer move to Manchester United, as he refused to downplay the possibility of moving to the Premier League in an interview during which he suggested he had a six out of 10 chance of moving to Old Trafford.

But in a statement on Atletico’s website, Griezmann issued an apology for ending months of uncertainty surrounding his future with a decision to stay on with the La Liga side.

“The first thing I want to do is to say sorry to the fans who have misunderstood my comments,” said Griezmann.

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“I perhaps expressed myself badly or allowed people to make headlines where there were none, but since I came I have given my all for my club, my team-mates and coaches and I’m happy to go back to live one more season with all of you.”

Atletico cannot sign anyone until January, 2018 after failing in an appeal against a ban imposed for breaching Fifa rules over the signing of youth players.

Confirming the details of Griezmann’s deal, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo added: “Yes, it’s one more year and the release clause will remain the same.

“The issue of the money is a private one. We have maintained a confidentiality agreement with respect to the money.

“I said many times that Griezmann would not leave. After months and months of reporting, time has proved me right.”

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