Julian Alvarez completes £82m transfer to Atletico Madrid

World Cup winner Julian Alvarez has completed his £82m move from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid, in the process become the Premier League club-record sale.

Alvarez will cost Atletico Madrid an initial €75m (£64.1m) plus up to €20m (£17.1m) in attainable add-ons, and will become the second most expensive signing in their history, after Joao Felix. He has signed a six-year contract with the Spanish club after passing a medical in Madrid and becomes Diego Simeone’s second striking signing this summer, joining Alexander Sorloth.

After his move was confirmed, Alvarez sent an emotional goodbye message to the club, the fans and his team-mates. “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion,” he told the club’s website. “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 my teammates, 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.

“To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great support and for making me feel at home from the very first day. I will always be extremely proud to have been part of this family.

“Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart. I wish you every success in the future and I will keep on supporting the club wherever I may be.”

Alvarez scored 36 goals in 103 games in a two-year stay at City, ending last season with 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 appearances.