Griezmann admits being in Messi's shadow influenced decision to stay at Atletico LaLiga Santander - Barcelona Strongly linked to Barcelona move last summer

Antoine Griezmann's future was one of the big talking points over the summer and he admits that being in the shadow of Lionel Messi was a factor in him turning down the overtures from Barcelona.

The Atletico Madrid forward added that the warmth he felt at the Wanda Metropolitano also influenced him strongly.

"Was I influenced by the fact that I would be playing for Messi as did Neymar and now Coutinho and Suarez do?" said Griezmann.

"Yes maybe, unconsciously that was an influence but I would like to say that my teammates and people at the club did all they could for me to stay. They went to my house, they raised my salary, they had an interesting sporting project. They did everything.

"I know that I can help to grow the club and that the club can help me grow. "

He explained how Diego Simeone went to his house and helped him to relax after he received whistles from the fans who thought he was going to move to Barcelona.