Antoine Griezmann confirms exit from Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid player Antoine Griezmann has confirmed his decision to leave the club at the end of the season after five years.

"After talking with Cholo [Diego Simeone], Miguel Angel and the people from the offices, I wanted to talk to the fans who have given me a lot of love," Goal quoted Griezmann, as saying.

"I have decided to leave, see other things, have other challenges and with great difficulty, this is what I feel and I need," the World Cup winner added.

Griezmann's final match with the club will be against Levante to be played on May 18. The 28-year old also stated that it has been a very important stage for him and he enjoyed a lot.

"It's been five great years where I've won my first important trophies with a club. It's been a very important stage," he said.

"I have enjoyed a lot, I have left everything in the field, I have tried to behave well, I have tried to give joy to the people who have come to the Metropolitano and also away from home, and I only have gratitude for all of you," Griezmann added.