Griezmann rejected a move to Barcelona last summer but the club announced on Tuesday night on that he has now decided to move on.
The 28-year-old said in a video posted on the club’s Twitter account: “I wanted to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave to experience new things and have new challenges.
“It’s been very hard for me to take this path, but I feel that it’s what I need.
“I wanted to thank you for all the love you’ve given me in these five years, in which I’ve won my first important trophies with a club. They were incredible moments that I will always remember.
“The truth is you’re in my heart.”
.@AntoGriezmann: "Han sido cinco años increíbles; muchas gracias por todo, os llevo en el corazón". pic.twitter.com/9XorY05u1T
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 14, 2019
Griezmann was frustrated at his side’s early exit from the Champions League – Atletico were dismantled by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick – while his side again missed out to Barcelona for the title.
It now looks certain that he will be moving to LaLiga rivals Barca.
Camp Nou chiefs are believed to have previously offered the Frenchman a contract until 2024 where he would earn £13million-per-year.
Last summer, Blaugrana stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique actively encouraged the club to sign the striker so Barca deal-makers know a potential deal will bode well with the current squad.
