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Barcelona news: Antoine Griezmann reveals why he snubbed La Liga champions
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has revealed why he snubbed Barcelona to stay at Atletico Madrid this summer.
The Frenchman looked destined to join the Catalan outfit after a season of speculation in Spain.
Eventually Griezmann opted to remain at Atletico, choosing to reveal his intentions on the eve of the World Cup in Russia with a personal video.
And the forward has now explained his reasoning behind snubbing a move to the La Liga champions in favour of staying at the Wanda Metropolitano.
"It's like when you get love at home. You're not going to go anywhere else," he told L'Equipe.
I feel like the base, or the most important piece of the puzzle
"At the club, they've done everything to make me feel good, including efforts to sign important players and create a great team.
"I feel like the base, or the most important piece of the puzzle.
I feel like the base, or the most important piece of the puzzle"That's what made me stay.
"It's hard to say no to clubs like Barca but, really, I'm fine here.
"It's my home and I want to do something great."
Griezmann enjoyed a solid season for Atleti last term before winning the World Cup for France this summer.
But the former Real Sociedad star has been snubbed for the FIFA Best award with Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah and Luka Modric making the three-man shortlist.
However, Griezmann is adamant he should be in the running for the Ballon d’Or after coming third two years ago.
“Comparing 2016 and this year, for me I have to be in the top three,” the 27-year-old added.
“In 2016, I lost two finals and was in the top three. This time I have won three finals.
“(It would) Not (be) unfair, but I would wonder what more I could do. I have won three trophies, stood out at decisive moments, but it is not me who votes.
“I think about it, especially the closer I get to it. The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious award, and it is the highest you can go as a player.
“There are trophies in your league, in the World Cup, the Euro, but it’s not the same.”