Antoine Griezmann looks likely to depart Atletico Madrid this summer after informing the club of his decision to leave.

According to reports in Spain, Griezmann is close to signing a five-year pre-contract with Barcelona, who are ​​ready to pay the €125 million release clause in the French forward’s contract.

Griezmann, 28, appeared likely to make the switch to the Camp Nou last summer, only to make a dramatic U-turn and stay with Los Rojiblancos. He signed a new five-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitano but now appears close to the exit. Atleti tweeted late on Monday night: “@AntoGriezmann has informed the club that he will not continue as rojiblanco next season.”

That was quickly followed by a video message from the 2018 World Cup-winner in which he said: “It has been five incredible years, thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart.”

Griezmann signed for Atletico from Real Sociedad for €27m in 2104 and has gone on to be one of the most sought after players in world football in recent years.

Griezmann has won the Europa League and Spanish Cup with Atleti as well as the World Cup with France last summer, and has scored 133 goals in 256 games in the red and white stripes of Atleti.