Atletico Madrid star breaks silence on Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

Back during the summer transfer window, one of the most talked-about transfer sagas was the one involving Julian Alvarez, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

What started out as interest from the Catalan club eventually developed into one of the ugliest sagas that defined the summer window.

However, inside the Atletico Madrid dressing room, Marc Pubill insists the situation was treated far more calmly.

Pubill opens up on Julian Alvarez saga

Speaking to MARCA ahead of Atletico’s derby against Real Madrid, Pubill was asked directly about Barça’s interest in Alvarez.

“We experienced it inside the dressing room in the same way as people did from the outside,” Pubill said.

Rather than discussing the negotiations between Barcelona and Atletico, the defender focused on how highly Alvarez continues to be regarded by his team-mates.

Marc Pubill speaks about the Julian Alvarez saga back in the summer. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Julian is a spectacular player, extremely good, and luckily we have him here,” Pubill continued.

“We’re all going to enjoy having him. We will help him. Hopefully he gives us his maximum because he’s a top player.”

These comments come fresh off the back of Joan Laporta’s own revelations about Barça’s pursuit of the 26-year-old striker.

The Barcelona president has claimed he personally spoke with Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin during the process.

He also claimed Atletico ultimately became unwilling to sell Alvarez to Barça, despite being prepared to consider his departure elsewhere.

Barça’s interest clearly created plenty of noise

There is no doubt that the Alvarez saga would have taken its own toll on players who share a dressing room with him at Atletico.

However, it does seem like the players never had any doubts regarding the Argentine striker and wanted to keep him integrated.

Alvarez not joining has proven to be a blessing in disguise for Barca. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

When asked how much Atletico need the striker, particularly after his impressive Champions League output last season, Pubill joked that having Alvarez at that level “wouldn’t be bad.”

“If he’s recovered, I’m sure he’ll give us that,” he added.

“We will fight alongside him.”

Even though Barça failed to sign the South American, they seem to have found a genuine striker option in Raphinha.

The Brazilian has started the season in incredible form, scoring goals for fun and arguably being the most in-form player in Europe.

This by no means indicates that the Alvarez to Barça saga is done once and for all, and it would not be a surprise to see the Catalan club return for him in the upcoming seasons.