The rationale for Antoine Griezmann’s decision to rejoin Atletico Madrid has been disclosed by Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.

Griezmann’s exit was mostly due to Barcelona’s financial difficulties, according to the Spaniard.

Prior to Barcelona’s La Liga matchup against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Xavi made a statement.

“The club had to let Antoine Griezmann go, so we chose to let him go due to the financial circumstances.

“I really like Griezmann as a player, but he left for that reason,” Xavi said to the media on Saturday, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Griezmann became a member of Barcelona in the 2019 summer and remained there until 2021.

In the summer of 2022, the France international went back to Atletico Madrid, initially on loan and eventually permanently.