Griezmann set to remain at Atletico despite MLS interest, says sporting director

Mateu Alemany, Atletico Madrids sporting director, confirmed that forward Antoine Griezmann plans to stay with the team, despite firm ties to Orlando City in Major League Soccer.

The 34 year old has considered a possible shift to the Florida outfit before the MLS transfer period closes at the end of March, yet it now seems he will likely continue in the Spanish capital.

I maintain my earlier statement, he holds a contract here and will keep playing for us, Alemany remarked to Movistar before Atleticos La Liga clash with Real Sociedad on Saturday.

For him, the situation remains unchanged, we have come around and returned to the starting point from before.

Griezmann, a member of Frances 2018 World Cup winning squad, is bound to Atletico by a deal running until June 2027.

The attacker has shown interest in US sports for years and has often been associated with a switch to MLS.

Orlando City hold Griezmanns discovery rights, an MLS rule allowing a single club first chance to discuss a players signing, according to a source involved in the talks who spoke to AFP last week.

This term, coach Diego Simeone has frequently rested Griezmann, and he started on the substitutes bench for the Real Sociedad encounter.

Atletico advanced past Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi finals earlier this week, securing a spot in the April showpiece in Seville against Real Sociedad.

Simeone had earlier noted that Griezmann ought to decide what fits him most, while expressing a desire for the forward to stay and take part in the final.

As Atleticos record goalscorer, Griezmanns last success with the club came in 2018, prior to a troubled stint at Barcelona followed by his comeback.