Antoine Griezmann Reportedly Phoned Jose Mourinho to Explain Atletico Decision

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann reportedly made a personal phone call to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to inform him of his plans to shun the Red Devils in favour of a stay in Spain's capital.

The Independent's Miguel Delaney said it's understood Griezmann spoke to Mourinho on Thursday after being convinced to remain in Madrid under manager Diego Simeone for at least one more season.

It's also said United still plan on spending big on a "star name," with an attacker likely high priority after Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a serious knee injury.

The timing of the alleged phone call appeared to coincide with Griezmann's tweet Thursday evening. Alex Richards and Mick Gadd of the Mirror translated his post reading "Ahora mas que nunca" to mean "Now more than ever" in Atletico colours:

For this summer at least, Manchester United's chances of signing Griezmann appear to be over, with Atleti's transfer ban said to be a critical factor for the forward. According to Delaney, FIFA's decision to uphold Atleti's suspension from making signings persuaded Griezmann to remain in Madrid.

However, Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol did pose a question debating whether it was indeed United who went cold in their pursuit first:

United were reportedly willing to pay Griezmann's €100 million (£84 million) release clause, meaning the hitman's preference of where he wanted to play in 2017-18 promised to be the deciding factor in any move.

That being said, United fans can hold hope that Griezmann's decision to inform Mourinho of his decision personally is indicative of the respect he holds for the club, or at the very least their manager.

Blogger Liam Canning handed Griezmann a compliment for his show of loyalty to his current employers, an act that, if anything, may make him an even more desired target at Old Trafford:

Simeone himself is due to leave Atletico when his contract expires next summer, having shortened his deal by two years, per Sky Sports, meaning he'll see the club through its first season at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

What's more, Richards and Gadd reported Griezmann will receive a wage increase to £190,000 per week after tax in order to remain at Atleti, although there's no word as to whether his release clause will be altered.