Atletico label Gronk 'dishonest'

Atletico Madrid have hit back at Jesper Gronkjaer, labelling him dishonest.

Atletico Madrid have reacted angrily to Jesper Gronkjaer's claims that he left the club because they failed to fulfil certain criteria in his contract.

The Danish international joined Atletico from Chelsea in the winter transfer window, but has now moved on again after forcing through a move to Stuttgart.

Gronkjaer stated on his personal website that the Spanish side failed to honour several promises that had been made in his deal at El Calderon.

However, Atletico's director of sport, Toni Munoz, has labelled the player dishonest and said that the club did everything by the book.

"Never has the club reneged on anything that we have signed," Munoz explained.

"Jesper has not been honest. I want to highlight that his exit came about after an official transfer request.

"He told me that he wanted to speak with me and I said that we could meet in my office that evening.

"He let me know that he wanted to leave because he was not happy with a few personal problems. He indicated that his personal situation was affecting him badly.

"When he was here he explained his personal situation was the problem, but now he has left Spain he has said things that are just not reality.

"I have to think that perhaps he is looking for an excuse to explain his exit."

It is believed that Gronkjaer decided to leave Atletico amid fears that he would not be guaranteed a starting birth, after the summer purchases of Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Petrov.