Upset with Barcelona, Atlético says it wants Griezmann back

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona’s attempt to sign Antoine Griezmann has hit a setback after Atlético Madrid accused the Catalan club of negotiating with the player without its consent before his contract was over.

Barcelona club president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed Friday the club is trying to sign the France forward, but Atlético told Griezmann’s staff the player must report to the start of the team’s preseason on Sunday “in compliance with his contractual obligations.”

Atlético said it felt disrespected after learning that Barcelona and Griezmann reached an agreement in March, just days after the team was eliminated by Juventus in the round of 16 of the Champions League. It said Barcelona and Griezmann had been negotiating the terms of the agreement since mid-February.

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