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Atletico Madrid star will decide his future before the World Cup

By Kian Long

SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 25: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid celebrates with his teammates Sime Vrsaljko of Atletico Madrid after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Sevilla CF and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 25, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 25: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid celebrates with his teammates Sime Vrsaljko of Atletico Madrid after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Sevilla CF and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 25, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /
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Antoine Griezmann has revealed his decision will be made before the World Cup in two weeks.

Focusing on the World Cup hasn’t shifted a nagging thought for Antoine Griezmann. The France and Atletico Madrid forward has speculation over his future, with FC Barcelona reportedly interested.

He was the pinnacle of transfer news last summer, with Manchester United coming so close to acquiring his signature. He decided to stay with Atletico Madrid, but he never committed his long-term future.

The deed was still appreciated by the Atleti faithful, and his season has been fruitful. He helped guide the Spanish side to yet another Europa League title, scoring in many of their games including the final.

According to FourFourTwo, the French ace will have a decision in mind before the World Cup commences. This is a good idea, as it means he can focus on the big stage without the nagging thought at the back of his mind.

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Should he wish to join Barcelona, then this summer is a huge opportunity for him to impress the Catalans. He will play alongside many creative players in Paul Pogba and Nabil Fekir, so his chances will certainly come.

It’s not hard to see why Barcelona are interested, with current option Luis Suarez only continuing to age. Playing alongside Lionel Messi will surely elevate the Frenchman, as he looks to emulate Messi’s success.

He has been dubbed as a potential Ballon D’Or winner, but as we’ve seen in the past, major trophies play a huge part in deciding the winner.

If he is to move to a big club like Barcelona, he will surely receive more of the spotlight. I’m not saying Atleti aren’t a big club, but in terms of world-recognition, Barcelona or Real Madrid are the places to be.

Atletico Madrid are beginning to build quite the attacking force, so losing Griezmann will come as a blow to them. They’ll still have Diego Costa, and one would assume they won’t be quiet during this transfer market.

Manchester United probably won’t be loitering around, after they signed Alexis Sanchez on a huge wage. Jose Mourinho said that he wouldn’t spend big this summer, and it’s not hard to imagine Griezmann will be one of the more costly transfers this summer.

Atletico Madrid can only pray his pledges more loyalty towards them, but the odds probably aren’t in their favor currently. It will be interesting to see how his decision affects his World Cup performance also.

Next: Three Switzerland players to look out for at this World Cup

Where do you think Antoine Griezmann will be next season?

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