Álvarez apologises to Atlético fans after failed Barca move
Argentina striker Julián Álvarez has apologise to fans of Athletico Madrid following the controversy surrounding his failed summer move away from the club to Spanish La Liga rivals, Barcelona FC.
Recall during the 2026 World Cup that Alvarez expressed a desire to leave Atletico Madrid to fulfil his dream of playing for his dream team, Barcelona but his club refused to sell him to a direct La Liga rival.
The former Manchester City player later faced intense jeering and boos from home supporters at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium during the opening weeks of the season after his failed move to Barcelona.
Alvarez who scored the only goal of the game as Athletico Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruna in a league fixture played at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, has now apologised to fans of the club in an interview with Movistar.
“I wanted to apologize to our fans for my words during the World Cup. They were a mistake. Both the way I said them and the timing,” he told Movistar.
“Especially because I understand why the fans were angry. I would have been angry too if I were a fan.
“Even more so considering how much they’ve supported me. They’ve been very generous, and I really appreciate that. I also want to thank the team because they’ve supported me throughout this time.
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“I’m gradually feeling better. I’m grateful to all my teammates because they’ve supported me. I’m working to improve. I’ve been feeling better in the last few matches, both physically and on the ball. I want to help the team and give my best.
“When you’re feeling good in life, it shows on the pitch. Even though we’re professionals, everything has an influence. I feel good and ready to compete for everything.
“Hopefully, through hard work and humility, I can turn this situation around,” Alvarez concluded.
Following the player’s public apology, Athletico Madrid coach, Diego Simeone praised Alvarez noting that he deeply values when someone apologises from the heart, calling the Argentina forward a humble and hard working individual.
He said, “I have a lot of respect for people who apologize. It’s always difficult”.
“I’m happy for Julián. He’ll feel much more at peace now. When he says something like this, it’s because he genuinely means it.
“We need him. If the club wants to reach the heights the fans dream of, we need Julián to be at his best.” Simeone noted.
