Atletico Madrid make Julian Alvarez decision after Arsenal handed hope for blockbuster transfer

The striker was booed by the home fans before kick-off and once again upon being introduced to proceedings just after the hour mark as ten-man Atletico were held to a 2-2 draw.

Then following the final whistle, Alvarez appeared to head straight down the tunnel instead of going over to supporters with his team-mates and had a scarf thrown in his direction.

Discussing the situation in the post-match press conference, Simeone revealed it was the club’s decision for Alvarez to not acknowledge the fans.

"The club staff told me that the club decided Julian should not go over with his teammates to greet the fans, and that it was not Julian’s decision,” the Atleti boss told reporters.

"The club made the decision to keep him away and have him head to the dressing room.

"No, I’m not in a position to give advice to the fans. I think I need to focus on my work, which is to give my best on the sporting side for the good of Atletico de Madrid.

"The only thing I know is that if Atletico de Madrid wants to win a title, we have to be united. We need forwards, and we need important forwards.

“For that, of course, we all have to work in that direction to give the team what it needs.”

Julian Alvarez

Getty

It remains to be seen if Alvarez has played his final game for Atletico as he had been vocal in his desire to join Barcelona this summer, though the LaLiga champions are said to have now moved on to other targets.