Pique 'surprise' as Barcelona lash out over Griezmann decision

Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said he is surprised at criticism of his role in producing a video in which France star Antoine Griezmann announced he was staying at Atletico Madrid.

Griezmann caused a stir after appearing in the film on Thursday in which he ended speculation about a possible move to Barcelona by committing to Atletico. Barcelona had made Griezmann, the top scorer at Euro 2016, their top summer transfer target.

Barcelona defender Pique's production company, Kosmos Studios, produced the slick film entitled "The Decision".

Although France coach Didier Deschamps said Friday he had "no problem" with the timing of Griezmann's announcement, two days before Les Bleus kick off their campaign against Australia in Kazan, the fact Pique played an indirect role in its production has caused controversy in Spain.

Pique, however, said: "I was surprised by the reaction in Barcelona. I'm surprised that my involvement and my love for the club (Barcelona) is being placed in doubt.

"I've spoken to the (club) president (Josep Maria Bartomeu) and everything's fine. He was a bit annoyed because he thought he (Griezmann) would sign."
Writing in Friday's edition of Barcelona-based daily Sport, the newspaper's director, Ernest Folch, said: "The theatrical nature of this documentary shows perfectly just how powerful some players have become. They think they can now do what they want."
The man looking to replace Bartomeu in 2021, Victor Font, said: "They (players) should not have an active role, without the participation of the club, in issues which affect the interests of Barcelona."