Barcelona manager Xavi has explained why the Catalan club decided to let French striker Antoine Griezmann leave for Atletico Madrid. "We decided to let Antoine Griezmann leave only because of the financial situation, the club was forced to let him go. Griezmann is a player I like a lot, but he left for this reason," Xavi said.
Griezmann first joined Atletico Madrid in 2014 from Real Sociedad and spent five years with the Madrid club. After that, the Frenchman spent two seasons at Barcelona before returning to Atletico in 2021. This season, Griezmann has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Atletico, scoring 19 goals and providing 7 assists.
Xavi's comments highlighted Barcelona's complex financial situation that led to Griezmann's departure. Despite the manager's appreciation for the player's abilities, the club's financial constraints ultimately necessitated the decision to let him go.
Griezmann's return to Atletico Madrid has proven to be a successful transfer for the player, who has rediscovered his form and become a key figure in Diego Simeone's side. Meanwhile, Barcelona continue to face their financial challenges, with Xavi acknowledging the difficult circumstances that led to Griezmann's departure.
