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Josep Bartomeu: 'Barcelona players didn't oppose Antoine Griezmann signing'

Bartomeu: 'Barcelona players didn't oppose Griezmann'
© Reuters
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists that senior players did not oppose the club's decision to sign Antoine Griezmann this summer.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has made it clear that the dressing room did not oppose the signing of Antoine Griezmann.

The club, having pursued Griezmann for the past 18 months, secured the Frenchman's signature for a fee of £108m earlier in the summer.

However, it has been reported that the senior players, including Lionel Messi, wanted the club to place emphasis on bringing about a return to Camp Nou for Neymar.

Speaking to Barca TV, Bartomeu said: "The dressing room did not reject us signing Griezmann.

"The players don't give their opinions on signings, it is the technical team who decide."

Although Barcelona have endured a shaky start to the 2019-20 campaign, winning one of their opening three games, Griezmann was extremely impressive during a 5-2 win over Real Betis, scoring twice and claiming an assist.

Reports have suggested that the Catalans could face a legal challenge over Griezmann, with Atletico Madrid claiming that, since negotiations commenced in March, they are owed an extra €80m (£72.1m) due to a clause in Griezmann's previous contract.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid36296183226193
2Barcelona35237572432976
3GironaGirona36236775453075
4Atletico MadridAtletico36234967392873
5Athletic Bilbao361711858372162
6Real BetisBetis36141484843556
7Real Sociedad351412948371154
8Villarreal36149136060051
9Valencia35139133739-248
10Getafe361013134151-1043
11AlavesAlaves36119163445-1142
12Sevilla361011154750-341
13Osasuna36118174054-1441
14Las PalmasLas Palmas36108183246-1438
15Rayo Vallecano36814142944-1538
16Celta Vigo36910174254-1237
17Mallorca36715142941-1236
18CadizCadiz36614162549-2432
RGranada3649233770-3321
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


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