Diego Simeone has moved to end speculation over Julián Álvarez's future, making it clear that Atlético Madrid have no intention of letting the Argentine striker leave despite continued interest from Barcelona.
The former Manchester City forward has been heavily linked with a move to the Catalan giants in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Barcelona view him as a priority attacking target. However, Simeone has publicly backed the club's stance that Álvarez remains untouchable.
Simeone sends ahead of Atlético's opening La Liga fixture against Málaga, Simeone insisted Álvarez is one of the club's most important players and remains central to his plans for the season. The Atlético boss explained that the 26-year-old will miss the league opener, but stressed that the decision is purely due to his fitness after returning from World Cup duty rather than any ongoing transfer negotiations.
He said,
“If the club owner has expressed himself so firmly, there’s not much more to add. It’s like in court: there’s no longer any room for doubt”.
The Atlético boss explained that the 26-year-old stressed that the decision is purely due to his fitness after returning from World Cup duty rather than any ongoing transfer negotiations. Simeone's comments echo those of Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, who recently made it clear that the club are not interested in discussing offers for the striker.
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