How Messi talked Griezmann into joining Barcelona as Frenchman closes in on move
Gossip & Rumours
By
Mirror
| May 20, 2018
Lionel Messi has become 'Agent M' as Barcelona close in on signing from Atletico Madrid.
Argentine superstar Messi has been in contact with the French ace over a transfer to the Nou Camp this summer - with Griezmann boasting an £88million release clause in his contract.
Griezmann starred for Atleti in the Europa League final last week, the forward netting twice as they beat Marseille 3-0 in Lyon.
Atleti have also offered a mega new five-year contract €20million-a-season, in a bid to force him to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano, with the deal higher than Barca's offer.
But Messi, and Luis Suarez's, calls for Griezmann to move to Catalonia appear to have swung the balance.
According to AS, Messi told Griezmann, "they are waiting for him with open arms in the Barca dressing room".
Barcelona have made no secret of their interest and Atletico's CEO Miguel Angel Gil Martin released a statement on Tuesday slamming their La Liga rivals.
He wrote: "That a president, player and a board member speak the way they've done about the future of a player with an existing contract and just a few days before disputing a European final, is an absolute lack of respect towards Atletico Madrid and its fans.
"Atletico de Madrid's stance is very clear and has been made public on numerous occasions. Not once have we negotiated for Griezmann nor do we have any intention to do so.
“A few months ago, I personally expressed to Barcelona's president that our player isn't for sale nor are we going to sell him.
“At the same time, I let him know that his inappropriate conduct was against the integrity of the competition, especially since we've been competing for the league title throughout the season and Barcelona have been continuously pressuring one of the most relevant players from our squad.
“I also told him in that moment, that in the chance the player exercised his right to nullify his contract due to their pressure throughout the season that Atletico de Madrid would demand Barcelona compensation for their inappropriate behavior.
"Enough is enough. I hope this statement serves its purpose and that us Atletico fans can enjoy this moment and prepare ourselves for a final like we should."