Julian Alvarez on leaving Manchester City for Atletico Madrid – ‘I felt I needed a change’

Atletico Madrid confirmed the signing of Julian Alvarez this week, and presented him on Friday afternoon to the press. The 24-year-old is their biggest signing since Joao Felix, and cost Los Rojiblancos €70m plus €25m in variables from Mannchester City.

Much has been made of the fact that international teammates Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo de Paul, Giuliano Simeone and Angel Correa have made an effort to get Alvarez to join the club. Seemingly compatriot Diego Simeone was also in regular contact with him.

“I spoke with my teammates and shared a room with Giuliano at the Olympics. El Cholo told me that he wanted me to come to help the team and that they were going to enhance my skills. It was a challenge for me.”

Julián Álvarez on the Atlético Madrid fans, staff, players and stadium:

“From the first moment, I have received the affection of the fans, and I am very eager. Even before it was made official, people showed me their affection and support. When I arrived in the city, I… pic.twitter.com/Ay0CjlIQT8

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 16, 2024

Recent reporting has claimed that Alvarez will be deployed behind Alexander Sorloth alongside Antoine Griezmann.

“I would like to play first of all in any position. As long as I am on the pitch and can help the team I will be happy.”

Alvarez revealed that he had not spoken with Rodri Hernandez about Atletico beyond congratulating him for his Euro 2024 win.

“I felt like I needed a change in my football career, a new challenge. It is a club in which they give me the best tools to do so.”

“Scaloni says that the players, as long as they play and have rhythm, we will have a place,” Alvarez explained regarding the impact on his international status with Argentina.

He was also asked what he had learned from Pep Guardiola during his time at Manchester City.

“I have learned a lot in these years, but each one has their own things, they are two of the best in history and I can continue learning. I feel like I will keep learning, improving things, and I am very excited to get to know a manager like El Cholo, and to play in the Spanish league.” Alvarez said.

The World Cup-winner will likely make his debut on Monday night, as Atletico travel to Castellon to face Villarreal on Monday night at 21:30 CEST.

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