Griezmann hopes to see out career with Atletico Madrid after underwhelming Barcelona spell
Antoine Griezmann is looking forward to seeing the remainder of his career with Atletico Madrid come to an end after admitting that his spell with Barcelona has not been as he had hoped.
The France international rejoined Atlético in August on an initial loan with an obligation to buy after spending just two years at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona spent €120 million to sign Griezmann from LaLiga rivals Atleti in 2019 but the 30-year-old has not managed to regain his best form in Catalonia.
He made 102 appearances for Barca in all competitions – six more than any other player during his time at the club – and was involved in 51 straight goals.
Only Lionel Messi (106), who himself left for Paris Saint-Germain in the last transfer window, scored more goals and assists for Barca in that period.
However, it was at Atletico where Griezmann had the most spectacular spell of his career, scoring 133 goals in 257 matches between 2014 and 2019.
Since returning to Wanda Metropolitano, the Real Sociedad Academy product has scored eight goals and two more assists in 19 games - no Atleti player has been involved in more goals.
Playing back where he feels most comfortable, Griezmann sees no reason to move away from the Spanish capital for a second time.
“The truth is that I did well at Real Sociedad, then I grew up athletically and personally at Atléti, with my wife, with my kids… it allows you to relax more and enjoy everything. helps," he told Transfermark.
"Then I went to Barcelona. Due to the circumstances, things didn't go as I expected. That's why I wanted to come back, to play again for Cholo [Diego Simeone] and Atleti.
"That's what I wanted the most, and the truth is, I'm really enjoying it here and I hope I can continue that way.
"I hope Atleti want me as long as I can keep up with the pace and level of demand of the game, and we can write another beautiful story."
Griezmann has been linked with an array of European giants in the past, including Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but has not considered a move to Germany.
"I never thought about it, because I've always felt comfortable since my time at Real Sociedad, and in the end, I feel most comfortable and happy at Atleti now," he said. "I don't want to move again."
This week marks 10 years since Simeone took command of his first Atletico match and no player has scored more goals under the Argentine coach.
In fact, Griezmann's 141 goals is the fourth-highest in Atleti's history and the forward credits Simeone with making the most of it.
Asked which coaches he worked with influenced him the most, Griezmann said: "I'd say it's Cholo. I think he's the coach who knows me best.
"I have an incredible relationship with him, and even at the level of the game he has always fought with the best in the Spanish league or Europe. He has led the club to the highest level."
