Antoine Griezmann announces his decision to stay with Atlético

Antoine Griezmann made his announcement after months of speculation. It was either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid for him next season and the Atleti player decided to reveal his decision with a documentary, which followed the player about through the end of the recently finished season, before finally revealing whether he would stay or go.

The documentary opened at Griezmann's massive  mansion in Madrid, where he was getting a tattoo, before playing Fortnite, and carried on splicing pensive monologues from the player about the huge decision he had to make with footage of him chatting to his family about his options, or simply spending time with them, at his stables in France, playing boules, or shooting some hoops with this brother. 

The documentary was without doubt indulgent, but did manage an emotional impact when, after scoring two goals and being named man of the match in Atleti's Europa League final triumph, the player was booed by the Atlético Madrid fans in the final game of the season. He admitted to being "badly affected" by it. But said Simeone had calmed him down and given him some peace.

The climax came back at Griezmann's mansion, where the French striker talked about Atleti's desire to win the Champions League and how the club were looking to reinforce the squad. All of which was enough for him to take the decision: "I have decided to stay."

Piqué wishes Griezmann well

Piqué, who was involved in making the programme and owns the TV studio that made it, tweeted after it had ended: “Another way of seeing the life of a footballer and his doubts about making the most important decision of his career. Thanks to the team at @Kosmos_Studios and particularly to @AntoGriezmann for the last few weeks. You decided to stay at @Atleti and I hope everything goes well for you this season”

Griezmann decision follows endless speculation

The French attacker had been tempting and teasing this news for months but kept his promise when he said the news would come before the World Cup. Didier Deshcamps wanted his decision to be revealed with time for France to focus and so it wouldn't distract from their game on Saturday.

Griezmann's decision comes after years or speculation about his future. He had the famous "6 out of 10" chance of him joining Manchester United last summer before Atlético's transfer ban was upheld and he said it would be a "dirty move" to leave Atlético in such a state.

Diego Simeone developed the youngster into one of the best attackers in the world and he wants trophies. They won the Europa League last season and finished second in the league. They have also reached an agreement over Thomas Lemar and could be close on another French player in Djibril Sidibé according to reports.

He appeared at a press conference on Tuesday but said that "today is not the day to speak about my future" as many of the people tuning in had to wait for what they thought was the moment he would reveal his decision. Instead, he leaked a trailer of him saying his decision was coming soon before releasing part two of the trailer on Thursday afternoon. That was when he said his decision would be at 21:15 on Thursday night. And that's when everyone held their breath.