World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann has revealed the shocking reason why he snubbed a move to Barcelona during the summer transfer.

Griezmann was one of Barcelona target during the summer as they aim to sign the Atletico Madrid forward to add more strength to their attack.

However, Griezman revealed the reason for his snubbed remains the fact that he does not want to be in Lionel Messi’s shadow if he joins the Camp Nou outfit, the French star is one of Atletico Madrid top players and a move to Barcelona will strip him of such feelings in Barcelona.

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"Was I influenced by the fact that I would be playing for Messi as did Neymar and now Coutinho and Suarez do?" said Griezmann.

"Yes maybe, unconsciously that was an influence but I would like to say that my teammates and people at the club did all they could for me to stay. They went to my house, they raised my salary, they had an interesting sporting project. They did everything.

"I know that I can help to grow the club and that the club can help me grow. “

The World Cup star also revealed how his manager Diego Simeone helped him to cool off the pressure from Atletico Madrid fans who whistled him after the fans thought he would sign for Barcelona during the summer transfer.

Atletico Madrid will entertain Barcelona in their next La Liga match at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday.