Antoine Griezmann Wants Future Resolved Before World Cup Amid Barcelona Links

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann is eager for his future to be resolved ahead of him joining up with France for the 2018 FIFA World Cup this summer. 

Per L'Equipe (via the Hindustan Times), the forward has been heavily linked with a departure from Atleti at the end of 2017-18, most likely to Barcelona, and Griezmann is eager to know whether he will be staying or going before the tournament in Russia:

"I want to travel to Russia without this concern. 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 [Maud, his publicist] 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."

France's first match of the 2018 World Cup is scheduled for June 16 against Australia in Group C.

Meanwhile, the final day of the 2017-18 La Liga season is set for May 20, four days after the UEFA Europa League final, in which Atleti could well be competing. 

That means there will not be much time between the end of Atleti's campaign and Griezmann joining up with France for any potential move to be confirmed.

However, there have been previous reports the 27-year-old, whose release clause is set at €100 million, has already agreed terms to join Barca, per Albert Roge of Sport.

His recent form is only likely to have encouraged the Camp Nou giants that he will be worth the money. He has looked back to his best since the turn of the year following a slightly underwhelming opening half of the season, per Opta:

Griezmann's recent comments are unlikely to quash rumours that he is set to move on from Atleti in the summer, but they do make it clear he is keen to have matters resolved as soon as possible.