Antoine Griezmann Signs New Atletico Madrid Contract After Rejecting Man United

Antoine Griezmann committed his future to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after extending his deal with the La Liga outfit by another year, and he also apologised to the club's fans for recent behaviour.

The club's official website confirmed the news, which effectively ends Manchester United's hopes of signing the forward this summer, via Football Espana:

Having now committed his immediate future to the capital outfit, Griezmann took the opportunity to say sorry to Atleti's support, per the club's statement, which read:

"The first thing that I want to do is apologise to the people who misunderstood my statements. Maybe I expressed myself badly or someone wanted to make news where there weren’t any, but since I came, I have given my all for my club, my teammates and my coaching staff, and I’m very happy to live one more season with all of you."

The Red Devils had been heavily linked with the France international, but he confirmed earlier this month that he would not depart Atleti after their transfer ban was upheld, per Telefoot (via BBC Sport). 

The 26-year-old has now further committed himself to Los Colchoneros by signing a new deal that will tie him to the club to 2022—his previous contract had been set to expire in 2021.

It is a big boost for Atleti, especially after it was confirmed they will not be able to register any new players until the beginning of 2018.

They will have to negotiate the first half of the 2017-18 campaign with their current squad, and Griezmann is arguably the most important player in the group.

The former Real Sociedad man is Atleti's key creator and goalscorer. He netted 16 goals and provided eight assists in La Liga in 2016-17, a better return than any other player at the club, per WhoScored.com.

Griezmann can play in a number of attacking positions, including as a central striker, a No. 10 or on the flanks.

As such he is invaluable to manager Diego Simeone, and the fact he has penned a new deal will be welcomed by all connected with Atletico.