Julian Alvarez apologises to Atletico Madrid fans for pushing to join Barcelona

Julian Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in 2024 from Manchester City. | Photo Credit: AP

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez on Saturday apologised to the club’s fans for pushing for a move to Barcelona over the summer.

The Argentine scored the only goal in Atletico’s win over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, following which he addressed the disappointment that the supporters had regarding him.

During the World Cup in the summer, Alvarez said that he “wanted to fulfil his dream” of playing for Barcelona, which set the ball rolling for a transfer saga that went on for months.

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“I’d like to apologise to ⁠our fans for what I said at the World Cup; it was a mistake in terms of ​how I said ‌it and the timing,” Alvarez told Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus.

“I understand why the fans are angry. If I were a ‌fan, I’d be angry too. Especially given ​how they’ve supported me since I arrived,” he added.

The 26-year-old was booed by his own fans at the start of the season, a situation that got better as the campaign progressed.

“I hope ‌that with hard work and humility I can ​turn this situation around,” he said, adding that “I’ve been feeling better in recent matches – ⁠both physically and on the ball. I want ⁠to help the team and give my best.”