The Atletico Madrid star wants to represent France in Russia this summer without any “concern” on his mind
Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann wants his future resolved before joining up with France for the World Cup in June, with Barcelona reportedly eager to make a move for him.
Griezmann had been strongly linked with a transfer to Manchester United in pre-season, before ultimately opting to remain in Madrid .
"I want to travel to Russia without this concern," he told L'Equipe. "It's not about knowing where I'll play, but about having the peace of mind if I'm still in one place or another.
"It may be boring, but I have told my sister that, whether I stay or not, this will have to be resolved beforehand [prior to the World Cup starting]. What bothers me the most is that everyone asks me about this issue."
Griezmann came third in the 2016 Ballon d'Or and he likes the idea of ultimately winning it one day. Though he insists it is not something he is obsessed with, highlighting the fact he is only likely to claim it if he is playing in a successful side either at club or international level.
"When I'm happy, everything's fine," he added. "I want to win a World Cup or the Champions League, then the Ballon d'Or will come, if it has to come.
"I am part of a group and I prefer to win a collective title than an individual one. For example, the trophy to the best scorer of the European Championships – I would have preferred to win the competition."
He currently has a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2022, but has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
The arrival of Diego Costa could well have made things more difficult for Griezmann at the Wanda Metropolitano, but he insists that is not the case.
Indeed, Griezmann has heaped praise on the former Chelsea man for making things easier for him in La Liga.
'Only in the national team did I feel comfortable, but Diego Costa gave me a helping hand,' he continued.
'The Coach gave me more freedom after he came in, taking away many of my responsibilities.'
The Catalans are believed to be in pole position for his signature after United snapped up Alexis Sanchez in January. However, Griezmann doesn't want talk over his future to continue heading into the World Cup later this year.
