Griezmann to stay, confirms Atletico CEO
Madrid: Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin said their star forward Antoine Griezmann will stay with the club and it is impossible for the Frenchman to leave the side before summer.
The 26-year-old, who extended his contract with the Spanish club, has been linked with a move to English football giants Manchester United since the previous season.
"It is impossible that he will leave this team before the summer," Gil Marin was quoted as saying by Sky Sports on Thursday.
"Last summer we made a great effort well beyond the club's possibilities and we will do it once again next summer.
"We have struggled to join together these two players (Griezmann and Diego Costa) and I think it will be very good for the two to compete together. It will be very good for Atletico and it will be good for the coaches. Until July 1, his (buyout) clause is €200m ($239 m)," he added.
Gil Marin also said the club has no intentions to sell Griezmann at any point of time as he is one of their marquee players.
"Atletico do not want to sell him, not now, nor in the summer. For us he is a very important player, who has grown a lot with us and we have grown with him. Our intention is to continue growing together. I would love him to continue," Gil Marin concluded.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
