ROME (ITALPRESS) – The rift between Julián Álvarez and the Atlético Madrid fanbase now appears irreparable. The 26-year-old Argentine—idolized until last season—is now experiencing the same bitter disappointment that Antoine Griezmann faced upon his return to Atlético in 2021, after leaving the club for Barcelona two years earlier. The difference, however, is that Álvarez has not yet moved to Barça, despite having expressed his desire to join the Blaugrana since the start of the summer. Locked in a psychological and media battle with the club’s management—who have blocked his departure—the forward received a hostile reception yesterday from the Colchoneros supporters. These were the same fans who had plastered Atlético’s training center with signs reading “Julián Out” and displaying his number 19 crossed out in a “no transfer” style. Having already been insulted during the halftime break of Wednesday’s match against Málaga (a 2-0 win)—despite not even being in the squad—Álvarez was subjected to various insults from the fans during the first hydration break and again when he went to warm up in the 53rd minute.
Upon entering the pitch (67th minute)—and when his name was announced before the match—he was met with a chorus of loud jeers. On the bench, staring blankly into space, the Argentine appeared dejected; his performance was lackluster, falling far short of his usual dynamism, pressing, and runs into the box (he managed only 12 touches). Even Giuliano Simeone’s late equalizer (85th minute, a 2-2 home draw against Villarreal) did not stop the Metropolitano crowd from loudly booing Alvarez again as he headed straight for the dressing room while his teammates went over to acknowledge the fans. “Staying wasn’t his decision, but the club’s,” explained coach Diego Simeone. “But if we want to win trophies, we need to be united and have quality forwards. We have him, and we need to look after him.” However, it is highly likely that the “conflict” between Alvarez and Atlético will persist until the transfer window closes.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
