Transfer Confirmed: Alvarez Moves to Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez’s two-year stint with Manchester City has come to an end as the 24-year-old striker has completed a move to Atletico Madrid. The Spanish club has secured Alvarez on a five-year deal, with Manchester City receiving an £81.5 million transfer fee.
Alvarez’s Emotional Farewell
In his parting message, Alvarez expressed deep gratitude towards the club, its staff, and the fans, but notably omitted any mention of manager Pep Guardiola. Reflecting on his time at Manchester City, Alvarez stated:
“Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion. These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot – both as a player and as a person. To the directors and the technical staff, thank you for your confidence and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me to develop so much.”
He continued, “To my teammates, thank you for every moment we have shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every match. I have learnt a lot from each and every one of you and I remain with memories and friendships that will last forever. To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great support and for making me feel at home from the very first day. Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart.”
Manchester City’s Tribute to Alvarez
Manchester City issued a statement highlighting Alvarez’s contributions to the club’s recent successes. The Argentine forward played a crucial role in helping City secure multiple trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first-ever Champions League title. Alvarez’s impressive stats during his time at City include 17 goals in his debut season and 19 goals with 13 assists in the following campaign.
City also praised Alvarez’s impact on the international stage, where he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory and the 2024 Copa America triumph.
Director’s Remarks
Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, wished Alvarez well in his future endeavors, stating: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Julian all the very best with the next stage of his career – he has been a pleasure to work with. His attitude has been first-class since he first walked through the door here. That’s why he has improved so much. The trophies he has won already tell their own story – he is a winner.”
Alvarez’s departure marks the end of a highly successful period at Manchester City, as he embarks on a new chapter with Atletico Madrid.