Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone happy clubs want to sign Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted that he finds "joy" in other clubs wanting to sign his star player Antoine Griezmann.

The France international, who has been at the Spanish club since his 2014 move from Real Sociedad, was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United towards the end of last season.

However, Griezmann pledged his commitment to Atletico after the Court of Arbitration for Sport chose to uphold the transfer ban imposed on the club until January 2018.

Even though losing the 26-year-old could be detrimental to the La Liga outfit, Simeone is pleased that the forward is attracting interest from elsewhere.

"I am not afraid that there is such interest," Simeone told reporters at a press conference. "It gives me joy that the best teams in the world are interested in our players, that speaks well both of them and of us, of our work, and that gives me joy.

"The club is making an important effort to keep important football players who are wanted by the best teams in the world. They want to stay at Atletico to continue paving the path that will help us continue growing as a club."

Griezmann scored 26 goals in all competitions last season.