Antoine Griezmann confirms Atletico Madrid departure in emotional tribute video to fans

- Antoine Griezmann is set to end his five-year stay with Atletico this summer

- He has been an integral squad member with the La Liga giants, scoring 133 goals in 252 appearances

- The Frenchman has been tipped to join rivals Barcelona, a season after his failed move to Nou Camp

Atletico Madrid front-man, Antoine Griezmann, has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of this season.

In a video shared on the club's official Twitter account, Griezmann paid an emotional tribute to fans for their support through out his stay at the club.

The France international was linked with a move away from Wanda Metropolitano before last year's World Cup in Russia, but decided to stay back one more season.

Explaining his decision to quit the club, the star forward revealed it was a difficult one to make, but felt it was what he needed.

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"It’s been an incredible five years; Thank you very much for everything, I take you in my heart," he said in the video.

"To tell you I have taken the decision to leave. To see other things, to have other challenges. The truth is it has been difficult to take this route but it is what I feel I need and I would like to thank all of you for the love you have shown me," he continued.

The 28-year-old was incessantly linked with a sensational move to Barcelona last summer before eventually deciding to commit his future with Atletico.

UK Metro quoting Marca reported that Griezmann revealed his desire to quit the La Liga club during a meeting with club boss, Diego Simeone, disclosing he wants a new challenge.

His departure is set to hand Atletico a massive blow, as he joins a host of other first-team players who are set to leave.

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The players include Lucas Hernandez and Diego Godin who have since agreed moves to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan respectively.

Griezmann joined Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014, and has scored 133 goals in 252 appearances for the club.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Barcelona are ready to go for the signing of Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann immediately the season comes to an end.

The Catalan giants are said to be plotting a fresh move for the France international as they close in on yet another La Liga title.

Last summer, Antoine Griezmann was reported to be on the verge of joining Barcelona in what could have been a mega move, but he ended up signing a new deal at Atletico.

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