'We’re fed up of their attitude' – Atletico Madrid slam Barcelona over Antoine Griezmann courting

The Frenchman is no stranger to reports linking him with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano, with Barcelona appearing the keenest to meet his €100million release clause.

Indeed, our Euro Papers feature on Monday brought news that Griezmann was one of two high-profile transfer targets being lined up by the Spanish champions, with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealing he met the Frenchman’s agent and family in October:

Atletico previously reported Barcelona to FIFA over an alleged illegal approach for Griezmann in December.

And now Diego Simeone's side, who face Marseille in the Europa League final on May 16, have said "enough is enough" as they delivered a scathing verdict on Barca’s conduct.

"We're fed up with Barcelona's attitude," Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin said in a statement .

"That a president, player and a board member speak the way they've done about the future of a player with an existing contract and just a few days before disputing a European final, is an absolute lack of respect towards Atletico Madrid and its fans."

Marin said he had previously told Bartomeu that Griezmann was not for sale, adding that the club would seek compensation if the 27-year-old sought to cancel his contract due to Barca’s pressure.

"Atletico Madrid's stance is very clear and has been made public on numerous occasions," he continued. "Not once have we negotiated for Griezmann nor do we have any intention to do so. A few months ago, I personally expressed to Barcelona's president that our player isn't for sale nor are we going to sell him.

"At the same time, I let him know that his inappropriate conduct was against the integrity of the competition, especially since we've been competing for the league title throughout the season and Barcelona have been continuously pressuring one of the most relevant players from our squad.

"I also told him in that moment, that in the chance the player exercised his right to nullify his contract due to their pressure throughout the season that Atletico Madrid would demand Barcelona compensation for their inappropriate behaviour.

"Enough is enough. I hope this statement serves its purpose and that us Atletico fans can enjoy this moment and prepare ourselves for a final like we should."

Barcelona are just three games away from becoming ‘Invincible’ – avoiding defeat in an entire league campaign – having wrapped up the title in April. Atletico are second, three points ahead of local rivals Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.