Madrid, June 24 (IANS) Atletico Madrid has announced that French striker Antoine Griezmann has signed a contract extension at the football club until 2021, with a buyout clause of 100 million euros (around $110 million).
The new deal, declared on Thursday, also serves to end speculation over the future of Griezmann, who has recently been linked with possible moves to FC Barcelona and also to the English Premier League, reports Xinhua.
Currently on duty with the French national team at the European Championship, Griezmann joined Atletico two seasons ago from Real Sociedad and has scored 44 league goals as well as nine goals in the Champions League during that time.
"I am very happy to remain in this family and to continue with the project. Every season I look to improve with the club," said Griezmann, who added that his relationship with coach Diego Simeone "and my companions allow that to happen."
"My aim is always to improve on what I did the previous year and we are also looking to do that on a collective level," concluded the striker, who can now turn his attention to France' s Euro last-16 tie against the Republic of Ireland.
Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero said: "I think this is great news for all Atletico fans because we are talking about an excellent football player, one of the best at his position.
"He has already shown his incredible talent over the first two seasons and with a huge growth margin. He is a player who is well loved and valued by our coach and by his teammates and admired by the fans and I can assure you that today they are very happy with this news.
"The club has made a firm promise to retain key football players and Antoine is one of those, so we should congratulate him on this renewal."
--IANS
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