Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has some sympathy for Antoine Griezmann over his struggles with Barcelona.

The Frenchman has started on the bench in three of the Blaugrana's last four matches in LaLiga Santander and come on as a substitute in each of them.

And the forward only came on in the 91st minute against his former club, Atletico Madrid, on Tuesday night.

Speaking on Onda Cero's 'El Transistor' programme, Cerezo admitted he hadn't had a chance to speak with Griezmann but has always had a close relationship with the striker: "I had a friendship with him, he was a good guy and a magnificent footballer."

In terms of Griezmann's current crisis at Barça, Cerezo also came to his defence.

"We all have our ups and downs. I imagine he isn't enjoying himself at Barcelona but he'll respond and be a success because he's a great player; a magnificent player."