Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the chief executive of Atlético Madrid, stated on Friday that star forward Julián Álvarez has been misguided by his advisors in his effort to secure a transfer to Barcelona this summer.
The future of the 26-year-old Argentina international has been a major storyline during this transfer window. He publicly expressed his desire to leave Atlético during the World Cup, telling ESPN he wished to “fulfil his dream” of moving on.
According to an ESPN report this week, Barcelona has abandoned their pursuit of Álvarez just before the new season begins, opting to seek other options after Atlético refused to entertain a deal.
“Atlético Madrid, like any major club, is founded on exceptional players, and Julián is one of them, as well as being a top professional,” Gil Marín remarked to the news agency EFE on Friday.
“We must compete with our values, utilizing homegrown talent alongside the best players we can recruit from outside.”
“We will support Julián and continue to nurture him so that he can reach his full potential. It’s important to note that Julián has not had the best advisors in recent months.”
Later on Friday, Álvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, posted on Instagram, not naming any specific individuals or clubs.
“Never ask a liar why he lied, as to explain, they would have to lie again,” Hidalgo stated.
Álvarez did not participate in Atlético’s opening LaLiga match this week, where they secured a 2-0 victory against Málaga. Coach Diego Simeone cited the player’s lack of match fitness due to a delayed return to preseason training following the World Cup.
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Atlético will play again on Sunday when they face Villarreal.
Barcelona had aimed to sign Álvarez after losing forwards Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Earlier this summer, they had an offer of approximately €100 million ($116 million) for Álvarez turned down, and Real Madrid also had a €150 million ($175 million) bid rejected.
“We will not let other clubs and their associated media dictate our actions or undermine our sporting strategy,” Gil Marín asserted.
During a news conference on Saturday, manager Diego Simeone emphasized, “There’s no uncertainty. Miguel Ángel [Gil Marín] has spoken clearly.”
“For me, he’s an essential player for achieving our goals. We are committed to him, and we will support him in terms of his sporting development because he is our player… He will be in the squad for the next match.”
Simeone also clarified comments he made earlier in the week, in which he expressed respect for a segment of Atlético fans who had chanted against Álvarez.
“I respect our fans absolutely, but I do not condone insults or abuse. I want that to be clear, as any divisive words during this time can create conflict.”