French striker Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid he will leave them in the close season, the Spanish club said on Twitter on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old Griezmann has a contract until 2023 with Atletico, but has a buy out clause of 120m euros and has been the target of several approaches from La Liga rivals Barcelona.
"Antoine Griezmann has told the club he will not continue as a Rojiblanco (red and white, the club's colours) next season," the club said on Twitter.
Within a few moments the player then posted a video explaining himself.
?️ Antoine Griezmann: "These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart."#UCL | @AntoGriezmann pic.twitter.com/7MCUwGh872
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 15, 2019
"After speaking with Cholo (club coach Diego Simeone), then with Miguel Angel and the people in the hierarchy of the club I wanted to speak with you, the fans, who have always given me a lot of love," said Griezmann, wearing a plain black t-shirt in front of a simple white background behind him.
"I wanted to tell you I have taken the decision to leave," said the French 2018 World Cup winner.
"I have had five wonderful seasons here and you will always be in my heart," said the affable forward known for doing dances from the video game Fortnite, when celebrating his goals.
2️⃣5️⃣6️⃣ Games
— Goal (@goal) May 15, 2019
1️⃣3️⃣3️⃣ Goals
Antoine Griezmann's time at Atletico Madrid has come to an end ? pic.twitter.com/ceyvZykVFh
"The truth is it has been difficult to take this route but it is what I feel I need and I would like to thank all of you for the love you have shown me during these five years."
With 133 goals in 252 games at Atletico the attacker has been ever-present and has rarely been unfit or injured.
He was a Champions League runner up in 2016, losing to arch-rivals Real Madrid. In 2018 however Atletico beat Marseille in the Europa League final.
Antoine Griezmann has announced he will be leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of the season https://t.co/N08d7toXZo pic.twitter.com/qErMcWQrAp
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 15, 2019
Griezmann finished third for the Ballon d'Or in 2016, after France lost in the final to Portugal at the European Championships and was a huge presence as Les Bleus romped to a memorable World Cup win at Russia 2018 after which he also finished third for the Ballon d'Or.