Football
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Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez hails impact of 'positive' Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has said Antoine Griezmann is "very important" to the club, praising him for his "very positive" approach.

Griezmann was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United before signing a new contract earlier this month.

And Niguez, representing Spain at the European Under-21 Championship, told Cadena Cope radio: "Griezmann knows that he is loved at Atletico.

"He is a very important player for us, not just on the pitch but also in the changing room. He transmits a lot of happiness -- he is a very positive player.

"In the end, to have players like him at Atletico gives the team a leap in quality."

Griezmann, who scored 26 goals last season, ended speculation about his future when he committed himself to the club until 2022.

His decision to stay put is a major boost for Atletico, who cannot register any new players until January 2018 after their FIFA-imposed transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Rojiblancos were punished in January 2016 for breaching rules regarding international transfers of players under the age of 16.

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