Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has congratulated Julian Alvarez for not letting his ego get in the way of his future after the Argentine striker opted to remain at the club.
Alvarez was vocal about his decision to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona during the summer transfer window. However, the Spanish giant made it clear under no uncertain terms that they would not be doing business with Barca.
The Argentina international was given the opportunity to join Arsenal or remain in Spain with Atleti.
In the end, he chose to stay, and Simeone has now spoken about the situation with Alvarez being in contention to feature again this weekend against Athletic Club.
He said: “As far as we’re concerned, he’s a very decisive person, clear in his thinking. I congratulate him because sometimes ego makes us think we’re in a position we shouldn’t be in. We’re very happy with everything he brings to the team. It’s what he feels.”
Alvarez was determined to join only Barcelona and was against a return to England due to family logistics.
Despite the broken relationship between Alvarez and Atleti supporters, Simeone added that he hopes the former Man City forward can now turn over a new leaf at the Metropolitano.
Julian Alvarez trains during a session at the Atletico de Madrid Training Complex in Madrid, Spain, on September 1, 2026. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Simeone explained: “He’s training very well, he’ll be called up tomorrow, and we expect the best from him, as from all his teammates.
“I always look ahead; we have a very exciting season ahead, with many challenges and talented players, and we’ll take it one game at a time.
“I’m very clear about it: for me, life is full of opportunities. And Julian now has one. We often spend our time judging, and we need to worry about doing it less and learning more. I hope this has been a learning experience for him.”
Alvarez has made one La Liga appearance this season but has been missing for the past few weeks after he was booed by his own supporters during a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
