Antoine Griezmann returns to Atletico Madrid

Barcelona have reportedly sold Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid on a long-term loan which includes an option to buy the Frenchman, for €40million next summer.

La Rojiblancos wrote on their website: "Griezmann is back!"

The Blaugrana shown their farewell message to Griezmann on their website and wrote:

"FC Barcelona would like to thank Antoine Griezmann for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future."

The Catalans bought Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for £107m just two years ago - meaning they will have to swallow a £73m loss on the deal.

Barcelona were desperate to offload the World Cup winner, who was the club's highest earner after the exit of the Argentine talisman Lionel Messi on reported wages of over £500k a week.

It is understood that the Frenchman initial transfer in 2019 was funded by a £30m bank loan, with the rest secured against future income - which never materialized after the global pandemic.

Griezmann's departure will frustrate Barca fans, who will be wondering why he wasn't offloaded sooner to pay for Messi's new deal.

Antoine managed just 22 goals in 74 La Liga appearances for the Catalans, which works out at just under £5m per goal.

The forward enjoyed a far more prolific five-year spell at Atletico before leaving in July 2019, hitting 94 goals in 180 La Liga outings.

During his first stint in Atletico Madrid, Griezmann won the Spanish Super Cup in 2014 and both the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup four years later.

Barcelona will at least soon have Sergio Aguero available as they were finally able to register the former Manchester City striker after Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba took pay cuts.