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Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has apologised to the club’s supporters for suggesting during the summer that he wanted to leave, admitting that his comments were a mistake and that he understands their anger.
The Argentina international was strongly linked with Barcelona during the transfer window and said while at the World Cup that he believed Atletico should sell him.
However, Atletico refused to accept an offer from the Catalan club, leaving Alvarez to face jeers from his own supporters at the start of the season.
The tension has gradually eased in recent weeks, with the 26-year-old scoring his first goals of the campaign against Stuttgart in the Champions League before helping Atletico secure a 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
Speaking to Movistar after the match, Alvarez said he regretted both his comments and the timing of his remarks.
“I wanted to apologise to our people for my words during the World Cup,” he said.
“The truth is it was a mistake on my part, both in how I expressed myself and the timing. Above all because I understand people’s anger I would have been angry too, as a fan.
“And also because of how they’ve stuck by me and supported me all these years and in these last few weeks. They’ve been very generous, and I really value that.”
Atletico signed Alvarez from Manchester City in 2024, and he has become an important member of Diego Simeone’s side over the past two seasons.
His performance against Deportivo was among his brightest this season, with his goal proving decisive at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The forward also credited his teammates for standing by him during the difficult period, saying he was working to regain his best form.
“I’m starting to feel good… I’m grateful to all my teammates because they’ve supported me,” he said.
“They’ve really stuck by me throughout this whole time… and I’m working to improve.
“I’ve felt better in these last few matches… both physically and with the ball.”
Alvarez’s apology comes as he looks to rebuild his relationship with Atletico supporters and focus on helping the club maintain its challenge in domestic and European competitions.
