Julian Alvarez discloses why he ‘needed’ to leave Manchester City
Julian Alvarez won the Premier League title with Manchester City last season
Julian Alvarez has revealed that his decision to leave Manchester City for Atletico Madrid stemmed from a desire for a new challenge in his career.
The Argentine forward was tipped for further success at City after two impressive seasons, during which he played a key role despite fierce competition for a starting spot with Erling Haaland.
Last season, Alvarez contributed 11 goals and nine assists in 36 Premier League appearances.
He also made an impact in the Champions League with five goals in seven matches.
Across all competitions, he accumulated nearly 3,500 minutes of playing time.
Having won the Premier League in both of his seasons at City, along with an historic treble in his first year, Alvarez chose to embrace Atletico Madrid’s €95m (£82m) offer.
The transfer not only marked a new chapter for the forward but also secured Manchester City a significant profit on the fee they originally paid to River Plate.
“I felt that I needed a change in my career,” Alvarez said at his official unveiling via 90min.
“I needed to look for a new challenge and I believe that this club gives me the tools to give my best.
“I learned a lot there [at City] and I’m grateful for the two years I’ve been there.”
Expanding on why he took up Atletico’s offer, the Argentine continued: “I’ve come here to help the team and to fight for every title.
“I spoke to [Diego] Simeone and he said he wanted me to come here.
“He said that I was going to help the team and they would enhance my strengths and help me improve on my weaknesses.
“My aim is to show my best form, help the team win and take Atletico to the highest level.”
On Pep Guardiola, Alvarez said: “They [Guardiola and Simeone] are among the best coaches in the world.
“I don’t feel a superhero for winning the World Cup. I still have a lot to learn and improve.
“I am very happy to be working with Simeone for what he means to this club and for world football.”
Atletico Madrid have made significant investments this summer, with César Álvarez being one of three marquee signings.
Joining him are Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad and Alexander Sørloth from Villarreal.
However, the substantial fee for Álvarez’s transfer has complicated the club’s plans to bring in Conor Gallagher.
Atlético had initially hoped to fund Gallagher’s transfer by selling promising youngster Samu Omorodion to Chelsea.
However, with that deal falling through, Gallagher’s move now hangs in the balance.
There remains a possibility he could still join, especially with talks of a potential return to Stamford Bridge for former loanee João Félix.
On the other hand, Manchester City may be forced to re-enter the transfer market after not only losing Álvarez but also suffering the setback of a long-term injury to promising academy graduate Oscar Bobb.
Salah: “We don’t need to put pressure on him, we just need to play football
Why Joe Gomez was left out of Liverpool squad for Ipswich Town clash
