Griezmann confirms Orlando City switch for end of season | OneFootball

Antoine Griezmann will leave Atlético Madrid at season’s end to join MLS side Orlando City on a two-year deal, with an option for a third. Atlético said in a statement that an agreement had been reached. He travelled to Orlando during the international break, with Atlético’s permission, to finalise the move.

He has already posed with his new shirt. Atlético had pledged to facilitate a summer exit if he wished, despite his two-year renewal last year.

He considered MLS last year before delaying the plan. This season he was earmarked as an impact option, yet his form has made him a starter for the decisive run, with Atlético to face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final and Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Having just turned 35, he judged this the right moment to step away from top-level football and try the United States. He weighed an immediate switch this month, then agreed with Orlando City to postpone his arrival until June.

Griezmann returns to Madrid on Wednesday to resume training, as he is retired from international duty. Over the next two months he will complete the final stretch of his 10 seasons with Atlético, split by two years at Barcelona. His message to fans set out his intention to give everything to lift the Copa del Rey and to dream of going far in the Champions League, while stressing his present remains Atlético until season’s end.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo