Atletico Madrid would rather lose Griezmann than Simeone, says club CEO Gil Marin

Admitting that there had been contact between Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona, Atletico Madrid CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has suggested that he doesn't want to punish the Catalans for attempting to coerce their prized asset into moving to the blaugrana, moreover, he just wants his club to be shown respect.

In the not too distant past, FIFA were alerted to a potential illegal approach by Barcelona, but it would appear that Gil Marin has no stomach for that particular fight.

"I have spoken with Griezmann's agents and his family, and it's obvious that there has been contact," he said to Jose Ramon de la Morena during the El Transistor programme on the Onda Cero radio station.

"But we are not seeking a punishment, we only look for respect.

"It doesn't make sense that now, in the middle of the championship, the top team is going after a player from the team in second.

"To date, Atletico Madrid's relationship with Barcelona is very good, but when someone does something they shouldn't, we have to defend ourselves and maintain the integrity of the competition.

"Griezmann will continue with us, the club will not negotiate now, and in any event, it's practically impossible for any team to pay his termination clause at this moment.

"Until July 1, 2018, his clause is 200 million euros and, beyond all that, Antoine is fine.

"Our idea is that he and Diego Costa can be together in this team for several years."

Although the likelihood is that the French striker will leave in the summer, Gil Marin is clear that the club could cope, something they'd be unable to do if they lost coach Diego Simeone.

"Without any doubt it would be a much bigger blow for Atletico to lose Simeone," he continued.

"He represents the club in values, work and game philosophy.

"No one player alone represents a team."