Antoine Griezmann’s move to Barcelona was one of the most anticipated transfers in recent football history. Fans and pundits alike were eager to see the French forward don the iconic Blaugrana jersey.
But when exactly did Griezmann make the switch to Barcelona? Let’s delve into the timeline of this monumental transfer.
The Long-Awaited Transfer
Griezmann’s transfer to Barcelona was officially announced on July 12, 2019. However, talks of his move had been circulating for quite some time before that. The Frenchman had been linked with a move to Barcelona as early as 2018, creating a buzz among football enthusiasts worldwide.
A Controversial Video
Before joining Barcelona, Griezmann played for Atletico Madrid, where he had established himself as one of Europe’s premier forwards. In 2018, he released a video called “La Decisión” (The Decision), which revealed his intention to stay at Atletico despite interest from other clubs, including Barcelona.
However,
- Fast forward to 2019,
In May 2019, Griezmann publicly announced that he would be leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of the season. This declaration sent shockwaves through the footballing world and sparked intense speculation about his next destination.
The Release Clause Saga
Barcelona has a reputation for signing top-quality players, and Griezmann was undoubtedly on their radar. However, there was a legal hurdle they needed to overcome – Griezmann’s release clause at Atletico Madrid.
The release clause,
- which was initially set at €200 million,
dropped to €120 million on July 1, 2019. This reduction in the release clause opened the door for Barcelona to pursue Griezmann more aggressively.
The Official Presentation
Following weeks of speculation and negotiation, FC Barcelona finally unveiled Griezmann as their player on July 14, 2019. The club organized a grand presentation at the iconic Camp Nou stadium, where thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their new signing.
Griezmann,
- wearing the famous number 17 shirt,
expressed his excitement about joining Barcelona and playing alongside some of the world’s best players. The event marked the end of a long and highly anticipated transfer saga.
Conclusion
In summary, Antoine Griezmann’s move to Barcelona was officially announced on July 12, 2019. However, discussions and rumors about this transfer had been circulating for quite some time before that.
Despite controversy surrounding his video announcement in 2018 and a complicated release clause situation, Griezmann finally joined Barcelona in July 2019. The French forward’s arrival at Camp Nou marked an exciting new chapter in his career and left football fans eagerly awaiting his performances in the famous Blaugrana colors.