Barcelona, Jul 13 (IANS): Barcelona have announced that they have signed French forward Antoine Griezmann on a five-season contract.

The announcement came after the player's international representatives paid his 120-million-euro buyout clause included in his contract with Atletico Madrid at the LaLiga offices, reports Efe news.

"FC Barcelona has paid the 120 million euro buyout clause to release Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid," the Catalan club said in a statement on its website on Friday.

"The player will sign a contract with his new club for the next five seasons, through to 30 June 2024, with a buyout clause of 800 million euros."

The 28-year-old could be unveiled to the media and fans during the weekend so that he can join the team for the first pre-season training session scheduled for July 15.

This is Barcelona's third signing for the new season, following midfielder Frenkie de Jong on a move from Ajax and goalkeeper Neto who joined Barcelona from Valencia.

It came a year after Griezmann turned down an offer by Barcelona and his refusal was revealed in a controversial documentary produced by Barcelona-s Spain defender Gerard Pique.

He preferred to stay at Atletico and renew his contract with the capital team, an agreement that included a substantial salary raise.

However, it did not close the door for his potential departure as the 200-million-euro buyout clause was reduced to 120 million as of July 1.

Twelve days later, Griezmann became a Barcelona player.