Antoine Griezmann used Manchester United for a new contract and was ‘always going to stay at Atletico Madrid,’ claims Filipe Luis
Former Chelsea defender says star forward is happy in the Spanish capital
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN was always going to stay at Atletico Madrid this summer, claims team-mate Filipe Luis.
The French striker had been close to a £88million move to Manchester United in the summer - even claiming a deal was "six out of 10" done.
However, because of the injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and selling Wayne Rooney, Jose Mourinho wanted more of a No 9 - and turned to Romelu Lukaku.
Griezmann then decided to stay at Atletico, signing a new contract.
He also admitted he would feel "dirty" if he had left the club while they were unable to sign a replacement.
Diego Simeone's side were banned from making any signings in the summer, because of a Fifa transfer ban.
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Former Chelsea defender Luis says there was no chance the 26-year-old was ever leaving the Spanish capital, despite the long flirtation.
He told El Mundo: "[Griezmann] is a kid who speaks very clearly.
"Often players talk when they feel they are not being valued as they deserve. Then they get more attention.
"He would have had many offers from many teams. A player of his size wants to be up with the biggest in terms of contract and value.
"And that is fair as Griezmann is doing great here.
"In the end, for all the talk about other clubs, he always wanted to stay here and he is still here, happy and liking it.
"For sure, he can stay much longer.
"We hope the fans understand this and everything gets back to normal, although he has been scoring goals, and goals cure everything."
Now Atletico have signed Diego Costa from Chelsea, there is still a chance Manchester United move for the forward.
Barcelona and Real Madrid and Griezmann, who has a €100million release clause in his contract.
