- Julian Alvarez moved from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid for £81 million.
- The 24-year-old striker has signed a six-year contract with the LaLiga team
- Get the latest Premier League news straight to your phone via Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp channel
Manchester City have confirmed the departure of Julian Alvarez for £81 million as the Argentine joins Atletico Madrid on a six-year contract.
The 24-year-old is ending his two-and-a-half-year association with the Premier League champions, with whom he won several top titles, including his first Champions League title under Pep Guardiola.
Alvarez landed in the Spanish capital on Sunday after being granted permission to travel for a medical examination following a financial agreement reached between the two clubs.
City confirmed the World Cup winner’s departure on Monday afternoon, at the same time Atletico announced his arrival as part of a deal that sees the departure of one of English football’s top promoted clubs.
Alvarez has signed a six-year contract that will make him a key figure in Diego Simeone’s squad, while Atletico continue to do business with Chelsea for other players.
Manchester City have confirmed the £81million move of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old ends his two-and-a-half-year association with the Premier League champions, with whom he won several top awards
City boss Pep Guardiola (centre) was keen to keep Alvarez (left), but the player probably wanted to leave
Meanwhile, City will make a huge profit on a player they scouted for just £14m from Argentine side River Plate in 2022 after he was spotted as a future talent in South America.
The talented striker scored 36 goals and provided 18 assists in 103 appearances for City in all competitions and although the English champions would have liked to keep him, it is believed that Alvarez is motivated by a move to get more playing time.
Erling Haaland’s emergence as one of the world’s best strikers at the Etihad meant that Alvarez was now required to play in a more rotational formation, with the Norwegian being used more frequently in key games.
His departure represents a record transfer fee for City and Alvarez bid a fond farewell to the club’s fans who have watched him over the years.
Looking back on his time at the club, Alvarez said: “Today I say goodbye to this great club with a lot of emotion. These were two very special years. During this time I grew and learned a lot – both as a player and as a person.”
“Thank you to the directors and technical staff for your trust and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me a lot to develop.
“To my teammates: Thank you for every moment we shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every game.”
Alvarez (left) joins Diego Simeone’s (right) team after winning the Copa America with Argentina
Alvarez won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and has become a key figure in the national team
The striker scored 36 goals and provided 18 assists in 103 games for City
“I have learned a lot from each and every one of you and I am left with memories and friendships that will last forever.”
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Julian all the best in the next phase of his career – it has been a pleasure working with him.”
“His attitude has been top notch since he first walked through the door here. That’s why he’s improved so much.”
“The trophies he has won speak for themselves – he is a winner. I look forward to watching him develop further as his career progresses.”
