Atletico Madrid best place for ‘genius’ Griezmann – Filipe Luis

Filipe Luis has said “genius” striker Antoine Griezmann could not be at a better club than Atletico Madrid.

The defender said Atletico were “growing all the time” and urged Griezmann to stay.

Griezmann’s future remains uncertain, with his adviser claiming last week that Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona had all asked about him.

The France international, rated at €100 million, last weekend said he was “ruling nothing out” when asked if he would ever join Real.

But Filipe Luis told Marca: “We are sure he will stay. He is a genius. When you see him every day, you see he is a unique player.

“During the week of the derbi [against Real], there are always lots of rumours.

“At Atleti you get to be at a club which is growing all the time. I don’t believe there is any better club. Atletico are at a great level today.

“All the time, more people want to come here. It is fundamental for me that Griezmann stays, as he is a genius. Champion clubs are the ones with these players.”

Atletico host English champions Leicester City in a Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday, and Filipe Luis said the game could be tricky against opponents with a similar style.

“They have very good players, are a very solid team who defend very well, and remind us of the best Atletico,” he added.

“Often we play best against teams who have more of the ball, but they play like we do. We do not believe we are favourites.”

He said Leicester striker Jamie Vardy “reminds me of Diego Costa as he battles for every ball.”

“He wins long balls, he is good in the air, looks for the spaces well,” he added. “We will have to be very focused in defence. They are very dangerous.”

And the Brazil international also said he saw similarities between Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez and his one-time Chelsea colleague Eden Hazard.

“He could be the new Hazard, he has great quality,” he added.