also remember that activating the clause would mean paying the full amount up front. Normally you pay in installments, and I'm sure they would have negotiated that with Atletico if they could have bought replacements (Lacazette and Costa).
Griezmann also might feel he doesn't want to leave Atletico hanging now. Since Simeone stays, he might be okay with staying until next year if they adjust his wages.
Anyway, it all makes sense now. Griezmann said in that talkshow back then that his future would be decided within two weeks. That was 10 days ago or so.
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