Relations between Julian Alvarez and Atletico Madrid supporters have hit rock bottom after he expressed a desire to join Barcelona. After chanting insulting slogans at the Argentine forward during La Liga’s opening match, angry supporters have now staged a protest at the club’s training ground.
Banners reading “Julian Out” were hung in front of the training ground. In some places, fans drew a cross over Alvarez’s No. 19 jersey, demanding his departure. A significant section of supporters have turned against Alvarez since he publicly expressed his desire to join Barca.
Atletico head coach Diego Simeone is trying to calm the situation. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match against Malaga, he said: “The reason Alvarez isn’t in the squad isn’t transfer speculation — it’s a lack of physical readiness to play matches. He’s still our best player. He’s an important part of my plans. I expect him to play in the match against Villarreal.”
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in the summer of 2024. Since then, he has become one of the mainstays of the team’s attack, scoring 49 goals and providing 17 assists in 106 matches.
Alvarez’s contract with Atletico runs until June 2030. Various reports have claimed that while Atletico showed interest in discussing an offer from Arsenal, Alvarez wants to go only to Barca. But the Madrid club has refused to hold any talks with the Catalans. As a result, La Liga’s defending champions have begun looking for alternative attacking options.
Atletico will host Villarreal on Saturday night. With Alexander Sorloth unavailable due to injury, Alvarez is likely to start in that match. If he does eventually take the field, another difficult day awaits him. He could once again face a hostile reaction from Atletico’s home crowd.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report