Griezmann: 'My future will be decided before the World Cup'

Antoine Griezmann's oft-debated future will be brought to a swift conclusion this summer.

The French international has vowed to decide whether he will stay at Atletico Madrid or move on before the World Cup starts. Host Russia kicks off the tournament against Saudi Arabia on June 14.

"My future will be decided before the World Cup," Griezmann told L'Equipe's Damien Degorre, with translation from Sports Illustrated. "I want to go to Russia with a clear mind, I think that's what everybody wants, it's not so much the question of where I'll play, which may be boring, but about having the peace of mind if I'm still in one place or another.

"I've told my sister that, whether I stay or not, I'll have to decide before (the World Cup)."

Griezmann's name regularly crops up on the backpages during the summer window, but links to clubs of the ilk of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in the past have failed to materialise. However, on this occasion Griezmann seems likelier to make a switch, and Barcelona is apparently ready to pounce.

The 26-year-old recently endured a brief difficult spell in Madrid. He struggled to register on the scoresheet in the opening months of the La Liga season, and was notably given two quick-fire yellow cards in a 2-2 draw at Girona in August for diving and then protesting the referee's decision to not award a penalty. It was nearly a month until Griezmann was able to start another league match.

"The return to selection helped me. There is also the fact that we were further into the season and (Diego Simeone) gave me more freedom," Griezmann explained. "Then, in January, Diego Costa arrived, which took away a lot of weight. It helps."

Griezmann, who counts 17 La Liga goals this term, is with Didier Deschamps' squad for France's friendlies against Colombia and Russia. Atleti reconvenes after the international break to take on Deportivo La Coruna on April 1.

France begins its World Cup campaign on June 16 with a tilt against Australia.