Argentina striker Julian Alvarez apologized to Atletico Madrid fans on Saturday for trying to leave the club during the summer, stating that he understands why supporters were angry with him.
The Argentina international was strongly linked with Barcelona this summer and stated during the World Cup that he believed it would be best for Atletico to sell him.
The Rojiblancos declined to accept an offer from the Catalan giants, and Alvarez was whistled and jeered by his own club’s fans at the beginning of the season.
However, the tension has gradually subsided, and Alvarez scored his first goals of the season this week first against Stuttgart in the Champions League and then on Saturday, helping the club defeat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0.
“I wanted to apologize to our people for my words during the World Cup,” Alvarez told Movistar.
“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 brought in the 26-year-old from Manchester City in 2024, and over the past two seasons he has become a key figure for Diego Simeone’s side.
Alvarez delivered his standout performance of the season against Deportivo, and his goal proved the difference between the teams at the Metropolitano stadium.
“I’m starting to feel good… I’m grateful to all my teammates because they’ve supported me,” continued Alvarez.
“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.”
