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Diego Simeone sends message to Antoine Griezmann ahead of potential Barcelona transfer

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Diego Simeone sends message to Antoine Griezmann ahead of potential Barcelona transfer — The Argentine watched from the stands as Griezmann put Marseille to the sword (Picture: Getty)

Diego Simeone has given his blessing to Antoine Griezmann if the Atletico Madrid striker decides to join La Liga rivals Barcelona this summer.

The French forward was his clubs hero in Lyon on Wednesday night as he struck twice to see off Marseille in the Europa League final, winning the Man of the Match award in the process.

Griezmann has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, with the Catalan club reportedly prepared to pay above his release clause in order to sign him.

TOPSHOT - Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring his second goal during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Olympique de Marseille and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Parc OL stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon on May 16, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Philippe DESMAZESPHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP/Getty Images — Griezmann struck twice as Atletico won 3-0 in the Europa League final (Picture: AFP)

Some Atletico fans fear Griezmanns heroic display was a farewell performance, and Simeone says he will accept the Frenchmans decision if he opts to leave.

Speaking after winning the Europa League for the third time, Simeone said: Whatever he wants to do, I am happy.

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He gave me all he had. I love him. If he stays, great. We will continue to grow together.

If he leaves, I just want to let him know I love him.

Griezmann has an £87million release clause in his contract which activates this summer, and it is claimed that Barcelona have offered an extra £8.7m to sweeten the deal.

The Frenchman is expected to decide his future after the World Cup, while Manchester United – who came close to signing Griezmann last summer – retain an interest.