PA Media/DPA
London
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City on a six-year contract, the Spanish club announced on Monday.
The deal is understood to be worth over $103 million in total, amounting to a record sale for City. It represents a significant profit on a player signed from River Plate for £14 million ($18 million) and underlines manager Pep Guardiola’s willingness to let unhappy players leave.
Alvarez enjoyed astonishing success in his debut 2022-23 season for City. By Christmas of that season he was a world champion with Argentina and went on to win the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League with his new club, who retained the English top-flight title last season.
Alvarez told City’s website: “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion.
“These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot - both as a player and as a person.
“To the directors and the technical staff, thank you for your confidence and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me to develop so much.
“To my team-mates, thank you for every moment we have shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every match.
“I have learnt a lot from each and every one of you and I remain with memories and friendships that will last forever.”
Earlier, Guardiola had not ruled out signing a replacement for Julian Alvarez after sanctioning the World Cup winner’s attempt to find “happiness” away from Manchester City.
“I want to say my gratitude to Julian,” Guardiola said ahead of last Saturday’s Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley.
“His two years here we won everything together and his contribution has been massive, whether being part of the starting XI or not.
“He’s incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but like I said many times for many players, he wants to leave and have a new challenge.
“Atletico is a top club in Spain and Europe and when they suggested to me that he wanted to leave, imagine he stays here if he wants to leave?
“He played a lot last season and in some moments with Erling (Haaland) but I understand in some important moments he thought he was going to play.
“He said he wants a new challenge and it is what he has to do. I don’t like to tell players what they have to do. Contracts are nice but they can be broken. If they are not happy, why should they be there? “If they think happiness is around the corner, go and take a look. Both clubs are happy with the agreement, I look forward to see him back to say bye to all of us.
“It was a joy to work with him, I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for.”
