With Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann not allowed to play more than 30 minutes per match at his club due to a contractual issue with FC Barcelona, France coach Didier Deschamps has weighed in on the star's situation amid his call up to the national team.
Following the forward failure to live up to expectations after his €120 million (R2.1 billion) move from Atletico to Barca in 2019, Griezmann was sent back on loan to his previous employers in 2021, just two seasons after his big money transfer.
The clubs agreed on a two-year loan deal, including a €40 million (R704 million) obligation to buy clause should the striker play 45 minutes or more in 50% of the games he is available for, according to SPORT.
It is understood that manager Diego Simeone has received instructions from his bosses that the 31-year should only feature for a limited number of minutes per game in order to avoid paying the Catalan giants the mandatory transfer fee.
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In all of his seven club appearances this season, the Frenchman has been brought on from the bench after the 60th minute. Some reports have now speculated that the arrangement could affect the marksman's chances of making it to the FIFA World Cup later this year if Atleti and the Blaugrana do not find a solution.
Les Bleus coach has now shared his thoughts on the situation after he gave the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner another call-up for his side's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Austria and Denmark this month.
"It's a situation you all know about. I don't want to go into the situation he's in with his club, but it's clear that it limits his playing time", Deschamps said, according to SPORT.
"He is still a crucial player at the club level and he aspires to play more than 30 minutes. It could be a good time for him to play more minutes for us".
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The manager was also asked about his experience in dealing with contractual issues which affect football."I adapt to contractual issues. There are different things but the important thing for me is the performance he can produce with us"
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