Atletico CEO launches severe attack on Barcelona over Julian Alvarez pursuit: ‘We are going to file a complaint’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has taken another dramatic turn, with Atletico Madrid now preparing to take the matter to FIFA.

The controversy comes after the Argentine striker publicly admitted that he would welcome a move away and is eager to fulfil a personal dream. 

Those comments have intensified speculation surrounding Barcelona’s long-standing interest in the forward.

Now, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has launched a strong response, accusing Barcelona of negotiating with a player who remains under contract and confirming that the club intends to file an official complaint.

Atletico confirms FIFA action over Barcelona approach

Speaking to EFE, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Gil Marin revealed that Atletico believe Barcelona have crossed a line in their pursuit of the striker.

Explaining the club’s position, the executive said,

“Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atletico Madrid, and that is why we are going to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a player who had a valid contract during the protected period.”

Atletico Madrid are ready to file an official complaint against Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The reaction follows Alvarez’s remarks while away on international duty with Argentina.

Although the striker expressed his desire for a new challenge, Gil Marin was unhappy with both the timing and the nature of those comments.

“I deeply regret his comments. It wasn’t the right day to make those statements—it was Messi’s day and the Argentine national team’s day, not Julian’s,” he added.

So what now?

While acknowledging that conversations have taken place between the club and the player, Gil Marin insisted Atletico’s stance has not changed.

“Julian has a dream, and we at Atletico have dreams too. It’s true that he’s spoken with us, but it’s also true that he’s fully aware of our position because we’ve been very clear. 

“Atletico doesn’t want to transfer his rights. He’s a great player, and we’re very proud that he plays for us.”

Furthermore, Gil Marin also used the opportunity to directly criticise Barcelona’s conduct throughout the saga.

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Speaking bluntly, he stated, “Barcelona is disrespecting us; they think they can walk all over us, that we’re weak or stupid. 

“But what they’re actually showing the world is a way of acting that defines them.”

He then went a step further by adding, “They’re lying to us, to the player, to the media, and they’re also lying to their own fans. 

“They’re trying to make everyone believe they can take on a deal they’re actually not capable of handling.

“This isn’t the first time Barcelona has acted this way, and the soccer world is well aware of it. 

“Last year, they did something very similar with Nico Williams and Athletic Club,” he concluded.