Julian Alvarez apologises to Atletico de Madrid fans over Barcelona comments

Julian Alvarez has apologised to Atletico de Madrid supporters for remarks that suggested he wanted to leave the club and pursue a move to Barcelona.

The Argentina striker spoke after scoring the only goal in Atletico’s 1-0 win over Deportivo de La Coruna, a result that also earned him the player of the match award. Alvarez finished from a fine pass by Grimaldo and delivered a lively performance in attack, moving effectively between the lines in a game that produced little attacking quality from either side.

The goal was his second of the week and his first in the league at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Alvarez had become central to one of the most prominent transfer stories of recent windows after appearing to indicate during the World Cup that he wanted to leave Atletico de Madrid to fulfil his dream of joining Barcelona.

Following the victory, he used his post-match comments to address the club’s supporters directly and acknowledge their reaction to his earlier statements.

“I would like to apologise to our fans for my words,” Alvarez said. “I was wrong in the way I spoke and in the timing of those comments, and I understand their anger. If I were in their position, I would feel angry too, especially given the support they have always shown me.”

He added: “The past few weeks have been full of support, and now I need to focus on improving and getting better. They have stood by me throughout this period, and it is time for me to work hard because we have very important things ahead of us.”

Alvarez also said he was feeling stronger physically and technically after his recent appearances.

“I feel I am in good shape, and I am grateful to my team-mates, who have supported me and stood by me so much,” he said. “I am working to improve, and in the last few matches I have felt progress physically and in the way I deal with the ball.”

The striker linked his improved performances to his state of mind away from football, saying his personal wellbeing had an effect on his displays.

“When you feel satisfied with your life, that is reflected in your performance on the pitch and in everything else,” he said. “We spend a lot of time at home, and everything that happens affects us, but I now feel good and ready to compete for everything.”

Alvarez ended by saying he hoped to restore the supporters’ confidence through his attitude and performances.

“We hope to win their affection again through hard work and humility, and to thank them for everything they have given us during this period,” he said.