Koke says he hopes Griezmann will stay at Atletico Madrid

Krasnodar (Russia), June 12 (IANS) Atletico Madrid midfielder Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion Merodio said on Tuesday that he hoped his French teammate Antoine Griezmann stays with the team, praising him as a complete player.

Griezmann had said he plans to decide his sporting future before Thursday, when the 2018 FIFA World Cup begins in Russia, reports Efe.

"Antoine has a contract and I hope he stays with us, but it is his decision," Koke said at a press conference, following Spain's practice in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar.

"I want him to stay because of the level he is at and for everything he does for the team. It is his decision. If he stays it will be a joy and if not, life goes on," the 26-year-old Spaniard added.

Spain is to play in Group B against Portugal on Friday, followed by Iran (June 20) and Morocco (June 25).