Dugarry calls Julian Alvarez ‘an idiot’ over Barcelona transfer push

Christophe Dugarry has criticised Argentina forward Julian Alvarez for publicly expressing his desire to leave Atletico de Madrid and join Barcelona this summer, calling both the player and his representatives “idiots”.

Alvarez reportedly made his wish to depart Atletico de Madrid known while representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The forward is said to be pushing strongly for a move to Barcelona, although Atletico de Madrid remain determined to keep him and have rejected the prospect of allowing him to join the Catalan club.

The situation between the two clubs remains unresolved, with Atletico de Madrid holding firm over Alvarez’s future.

Dugarry, who previously played for Milan and Barcelona, has condemned the way Alvarez has handled the situation. Speaking to RMC, the former France international said: “The player and his representatives are idiots. How can he announce, ‘I want to leave the club’? Is he stupid or what?”

Dugarry’s comments were reported by the English newspaper Metro. He argued that Alvarez should have adopted a more measured approach rather than declaring his intention to leave publicly.

“It is not better to leave in this way,” Dugarry added. “Be quiet, be humble and speak intelligently. Didn’t you see what happened with Griezmann? Don’t you know your management? Don’t you know your fans?”

Antoine Griezmann previously experienced tensions surrounding his future at Atletico de Madrid, an episode Dugarry referenced while questioning the advice Alvarez was receiving from those around him.

Despite his criticism of the player’s conduct, Dugarry said footballers who want to move on should ultimately be allowed to do so. However, he stressed that both the player and the club must deal with the process respectfully.

“A player who wants to leave should be allowed to leave,” he said. “After that, it creates more problems than anything else. I also believe there must be mutual respect between both sides.”

Dugarry also warned Alvarez against alienating Atletico de Madrid supporters or damaging his relationship with the club while trying to secure a transfer.

“The first thing to do when you want to try to reach an agreement is not to spit on your fans and your club,” he said.

He finished with a strong warning to the Argentina forward: “In this way, you are completely wrong and you will receive a deterrent punishment.”

The dispute leaves Alvarez’s position uncertain as Barcelona continue to be linked with his desired move, while Atletico de Madrid remain unwilling to give up one of their key players. Fans can discuss the subject and other football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.