statement in response to comments made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta regarding Argentine player Julian Alvarez, confirming that the player will not be moving to the Ca
participating with the Argentine national team in the 2026 World Cup, his desire to leave Atletico Madrid, which angered the Madrid club.
Atletico Madrid began their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Malaga and a 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano Stadium. The Argentine striker came on as a substitute in the 66th minute against Villarreal and was met with boos from his club's fans.
Julian Alvarez missed Atletico Madrid's training session on Wednesday, following two days of rest for the Rojiblancos players.
An official statement issued by Atletico Madrid, published by the Spanish newspaper "Marca", stated that Alvarez missed training due to illness.
In response to the Barcelona president's statements, Atletico Madrid said in an official statement: "The player is being bullied, but the only victim in the Julian case is us. They have harmed us financially and socially."
The Rojiblancos added: "There is a 0% chance of selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona. This situation is not about money, it is about dignity."
Atletico Madrid pointed to what it described as a "campaign containing many lies and half-truths," stressing that the club is the party that bears the consequences of this crisis.
Atletico Madrid's statement came in response to comments by Joan Laporta, who explained that Barcelona had made an official offer to Atletico to sign Alvarez, after he himself had a telephone conversation with Miguel Angel Marin, the executive director of the Madrid club.
Laporta confirmed that Marin initially told him that Atletico did not intend to sell the player because there was no suitable replacement for him, before things changed after Barcelona received information that the Spanish club was negotiating with other clubs regarding the sale of Alvarez.
The Barcelona president explained that his club's offer remains valid until the end of the summer transfer window, noting that Barcelona is very interested in signing the player, and that Alvarez wants to move to the Blaugrana.
Laporta stressed that Barcelona acted in accordance with what it usually does with other clubs, emphasizing its full respect for Atletico Madrid and its officials, and its desire to complete the deal if the Madrid club decides to open the door for the player's departure.
