Antoine Griezmann speaks out on relationship with Lionel Messi after uncle and former agent’s comments

Barcelona forward’s former agent said Messi’s ‘reign of terror’ has made life tough for Griezmann

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Antoine Griezmann has dismissed the notion that there is a rift between him and Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, saying he had nothing to do with recent comments about the club captain from his uncle and his former agent.

Earlier this month, Griezmann's former agent Eric Olhats said the World Cup winner’s time at Barca has been made difficult by Messi's "reign of terror", and the forward's uncle said it was difficult to play in the same team as the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Messi responded last week, saying he was tired of facing the blame for Barcelona’s problems, leading Griezmann to say he could no longer remain silent on the matter.

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"I have been putting up with comments for a long while and now it's time to say enough," he was quoted as saying in an interview with Movistar.

"My agent is my sister, but she doesn't speak. Neither do my parents. 

"As no one speaks, Eric offers an opinion, but that can do a lot of damage and create doubts about my relationship with Leo. Leo knows I have a lot of respect for him. I learn from him.

"My uncle doesn't know how football works. A journalist wants a phrase out of you... I told Leo I have nothing to do with them. I don't speak to them."

Reuters