Atlético de Madrid president defiant over Julián Álvarez's future | OneFootball

Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético de Madrid, once again made it clear that he has no interest in letting Julián Álvarez leave, the Colchonero’s main attacking weapon. “Just think that I am God—until I say he can leave, he’s not leaving,” he said during an impromptu press conference ahead of the first leg against Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals.

The Argentine forward is wanted by several clubs in Europe, including the Blaugrana side. Amid rumors of a possible departure, the club chief was asked whether he could guarantee the striker would stay for next season. “Can you guarantee that you won’t die before the end of the year?” he shot back defiantly.

In the back-and-forth, he also stressed: “I’m going to explain it very clearly—you’re intelligent and you’ll understand: He has a contract with Atlético de Madrid.” He also accused journalists of “never closing the door” on the possibility that the 26-year-old from Córdoba could leave the Madrid club.

Tired of answering questions about Barça’s interest, Cerezo concluded: “If a player has a contract with that team and still has many years left on that contract, then you tell me what could happen.”

Álvarez arrived at Atlético de Madrid in 2024 and signed a contract until June 30, 2030. During his time there, he has recorded 46 goals and 17 assists in 101 matches, averaging 0.45 goals per game and roughly one goal involvement every two matches.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.