Barcelona Deny Any Wrongdoing In Griezmann

Atletico Madrid have no proof to back up their claims Barcelona had an agreement in place with Antoine Griezmann as early as March, according to Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barca triggered Griezmann’s €120 million (£107m/$134m) release clause and completed the signing of the France international on Friday, presenting him as their player two days later.

But shortly after Barca announced Griezmann’s signing, Atletico released a statement challenging the deal, adamant the player and the Catalan club struck an agreement over personal terms in March.

As such, Atletico felt they were entitled to €200m (£179m/$225m) rather than €120m, the figure his release clause dropped to on July 1.

However, Bartomeu is relaxed about the situation and is convinced Atletico have no grounds for such demands.

“I have spoken to them, but I do not think there is any proof, because there is no evidence of anything,” Bartomeu told reporters at Griezmann’s presentation.

“I understand everyone defends their interests and I’ve spoken to [Enrique] Cerezo [Atletico president], but I don’t see that the case can evolve in a positive way for them. There’s nothing.

“We contacted Griezmann after he made the video saying goodbye to the fans, there was nothing in March.”