Worries about being the in the shadow of Lionel Messi made Antonie Griezmann think twice about leaving Atletico Madrid for Barcelona.
The Frenchman seemed destined to head for the Camp Nou in the summer and his World Cup performances for France only served to reaffirm that belief. But Griezmann instead chose to stay at Atleti – a decision which stunned Barcelona who were convinced they had got their man and blew a hole in their summer spending plans.
Speaking to French TV, Griezmann admitted that being in the shadow of Lionel Messi was a major factor in him decided to turn down the Catalans giants.
“Was I influenced by the fact that I would be playing for Messi as did Neymar and now Coutinho and Suarez do?” said Griezmann.
“Yes maybe, unconsciously that was an influence but I would like to say that my teammates and people at the club did all they could for me to stay. They went to my house, they raised my salary, they had an interesting sporting project. They did everything.
“I know that I can help to grow the club and that the club can help me grow. ”
Griezmann said that Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone went to his house to talk him into staying at the club. He also said that the manager helped put his mind at rest after he was the subject of boos and whistles from the Atletico Madrid fans who thought he was going to move to Barcelona.