Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says he is “disappointed” that Antoine Griezmann is leaving the club now and “doesn’t care” where the France international moves to.
Griezmann told Atletico on Tuesday evening that another club would trigger his €120m release clause on July 1, having just 12 months ago made a big show of turning down Barcelona and accepting a €20m a year salary to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano.
“I’ve not spoken with Griezmann and I didn’t expect this,” Cerezo said on El Larguero.
“Just like last year I thought he would stay. I don’t know why he’s decided to leave now. I don’t know where he’s going, and I don’t care at all, once he is leaving, whether it’s to Barca or outside Spain. If you make a big effort to keep a player, and suddenly he says he is leaving, of course it’s a disappointment.”
Atletico are set for a big squad shake-up this summer with the exits of defenders Lucas Hernandez and Diego Godin also already confirmed, full-backs Filipe Luis and Juanfran Torres out of contract and midfielder Rodrigo potentially joining Manchester City, reports ESPN FC.
“I would be more worried, of course, if [coach Diego] Simeone was leaving,” Cerezo added.
“He is the chief of the team, and we have a good relationship with him. Now it is about bringing in the signings we need, and to move on.”