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Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann confirms he will snub Barcelona transfer in TV announcement

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Antoine Griezmann finally confirms Barcelona transfer decision in TV announcement — The Frenchman has revealed his decision on Spanish TV (Picture: Getty)

Antoine Griezmann has confirmed that he will remain at Atletico Madrid next season despite being heavily linked with a summer switch to Barcelona.

The French striker has been teasing his future for several months and made the rather bizarre choice of filming his decision with Spanish TV station Movistar – even recording two separate versions for if he stays or goes.

The build-up to Thursday nights unusual show had plenty of people tuning in, with Barca centre-back Gerard Pique tweeting that he was looking forward to watching it alongside a popcorn emoji.

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 in the Europa League final back in May (Picture: Getty)

However, Piques hopes of lining up alongside Griezmann next season were dashed when the Frenchman confirmed that he would remain at Atletico.

I have decided to stay, he finally proclaimed at the end of the mini documentary.

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Atletico are doing everything they can to keep the team growing, its amazing, theyre making a lot of efforts, I cannot stand it, I need to tell people that I want to stay.

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The show documented Griezmanns thought process from as far back as April, with Atletico offering him more money but Barcelona providing a better shot at silverware.

He wanted assurances over Atletis ambition in the transfer market, though felt it would be easier to win the title with Barca, and he seemed deeply affected when he was booed in the final La Liga match of the season despite a man-of-the-match display in the Europa League final just a few days earlier.

France's Antoine Griezmann, 2nd right, celebrates after scoring his side's 2nd goal with teammates : Paul Pogba, right, Corentin Tolisso and Edil Rami, left, during a friendly soccer match between France and Italy at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, southern France, Friday, June 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Claude Paris) — Griezmann is currently on international duty with the France squad in Russia (Picture: Getty)

Were missing something, he mused. We always come second or third. It isnt bad luck, we are just lacking something. Im sure there are plenty of players at clubs below the elite that feel this way.

His words appeared to have the desired effect, with Atletico striking an agreement for Monaco star – and compatriot – Thomas Lemar, while Djibril Sidibe is also expected to move to Madrid.

Griezmann, a huge fan of basketball, appears to have taken inspiration from LeBron James infamous The Decision TV special, in which he decided to leave hometown side Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

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However, the timing of the announcement – just two days before France kick-off their World Cup campaign against Australia on Saturday – has been widely criticised by fans and pundits even though he has elected to stay at Atletico.