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Cape Town - Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has revealed he snubbed both Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal before linking up with Diego Simeone's side.
France international Griezmann was hot property during the off-season before sealing his €30 million move from Real Sociedad, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in signing 23-year-old.
The Gunners and PSG both came close to snapping up the highly-rated winger, but Griezmann says that Simeone's coaching style and his desire to remain in Spain ultimately swayed his decision.
"Why Spain and not elsewhere? This is my championship, my home. I'm happy here," the winger told France Football.
"And Atletico is a great club. The leaders were willing to pay 30m (£24m) for me. I had the boss on the phone. He motivated me and said the club really wanted me. I knew that I was coming here to learn.
"Was it weird when PSG and Arsenal were also interested? They're still the champions of Spain!
"I needed a club like that and a coach like Diego Simeone to progress. I always demands intensity in training. That's my style and I like it.
"The team captain (Gabi Fernandez) also called me to ask me to come and tell me I would feel comfortable here where there is a great family feeling in the changing room."
