Antoine Griezmann has confirmed that he will be leaving Atletico Madrid this summer in a video posted on the club's official Twitter account with Barcelonathe Frenchman's most likely destination.
In the video, Griezmann told the club's supporters: 'It's been an incredible five years; Thank you very much for everything, I take you in my heart.'
The 28-year-old was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona last summer before eventually deciding to stay at Atletico, signing a new five-year contract with the club.
However, on Tuesday afternoon, he informed his manager Diego Simeone and the club's president Miguel Angel Gil Marin of his intention to move on this time around.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Griezmann articulated during the meeting that his cycle at Atletico had come to an end after five years and that he wanted to move on for a fresh challenge.
It appears almost certain that he will join Barcelona who are reportedly willing to meet his release clause. Although Griezmann's current clause stands at €200m it will drop down to €120m by July 1 as per the terms of his contract.
The news is an enormous blow to Simeone and Atletico as a host of first-team players are set to depart. Lucas Hernandez and Diego Godin have already agreed moves to Bayern Munich and Inter respectively.
Full-backs Juanfran and Filipe Luis will also move on at the end of their contracts, while Manchester City are reportedly considering matching midfielder Rodri's release clause set at €60m.
Griezmann has developed into one of the world's best players since joining Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014, scoring 133 goals in 252 appearances for the club and winning the Europa League last season.
His final game will be against Levante in La Liga on Saturday.
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