Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo admits Antoine Griezmann is likely to be whistled by certain sections of the club’s support following his return from Barcelona, with the Frenchman needing to build bridges following a “strange” exit in 2019.
After seeing a move to Camp Nou mooted for some time, the World Cup winner headed to Catalunya in a €120 million (£103m/$142m) deal.
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The 30-year-old is now back in the Spanish capital on a two-year loan agreement that includes a mandatory €40m (£34m/$47m) purchase option, with the France international hoping to win over sceptics in Madrid and pick up where he left off with the reigning La Liga champions.
Cerezo is delighted to have a proven performer back, but accepts some supporters will need to be won over by a man who went chasing a dream in Catalunya that turned into something of a nightmare.
The Atletico president told Cadena SER:
“I would understand, but what I want to say is that we are not going to gain anything with this.
“When he left, all I said was that in Barcelona they wouldn’t love him the same as they do here. He left in a strange way, but he has shown that he was eager to return to Atletico Madrid.
“There are fans who will not like it, but there are others who were delighted with his return and in the end the important thing is performance and having the best squad.”