Griezmann content with cameo role at Atletico

MADRID : Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann said he was fully devoted to the club after scoring a last-gasp winner against Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday, even though he is yet to start a match this season.

Griezmann has featured in all five of Atletico's matches this season, but has only come on to the pitch after an hour has been played on each occasion.

He came off the bench in the 61st minute against Porto and scored the winning goal in the 10th minute of added time, having also scored as a substitute in LaLiga victories against Getafe and Valencia.

"It is what it is, it's not in my hands," Griezmann told reporters after the 2-1 win over Porto.

"Of course I'd like to play more but I'm going to give everything in the minutes I have on the pitch. I'm a club man and only want to play here and give everything for the club, the coach and the fans."

The France striker made his name at Atletico before joining Barcelona for 120 million euros ($120 million) in 2019, only to return to the Madrid side last year on a two-year loan. Barca said at the time that the contract agreed with Atletico contained a "compulsory permanent transfer clause".

According to reports in the Spanish media, Atletico are obliged to purchase Griezmann for 40 million euros if he plays more than 50 per cent of minutes when available.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone has not confirmed whether the clause exists, but when asked about the situation last week, he said: "I'm a club man and I always will be."

Atletico did not respond to a request to comment on the contract clause.

After the win over Porto, the coach heaped praise on Griezmann but defended not starting him in any matches this season, claiming he is more effective as a substitute.

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