Barcelona star Olmo questions Atletico Madrid’s handling of Julian Alvarez saga: ‘I don’t understand’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona playmaker Dani Olmo enjoyed a special day in Terrassa on Wednesday as his hometown celebrated Spain’s success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Barcelona star was given a hero’s welcome and proudly accepted the tribute before speaking to the media.

Among the topics he addressed was Julian Alvarez’s failed move to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s refusal to negotiate with the Catalan club despite the player’s insistence on wanting to leave.

Olmo does not understand Atletico stance

Olmo was quick to praise the Argentine striker, while questioning the Rojiblancos’ stance on the whole matter.

 “Julian is a great player, a great ‘9’, one of the best in the world without a doubt, but that’s football,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“Understand it? I don’t. In the end, we all have our dreams. I think Julián was also clear about that,” the Barcelona star added.

Alvarez wanted to join Barcelona this summer. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He fought for his dreams, but ultimately there are also other external situations that one can’t control. In that sense, that was one of them, it goes without saying. But life goes on. This doesn’t stop.”

Aiming high

Despite missing out on Alvarez, Olmo believes Barcelona have enough quality to compete on every front.

“We personally expect a very good year, for sure, with a lot of competition, because the other clubs have also strengthened their squads very well, but I think we have more than enough talent to compete,” Olmo noted.

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Olmo outlined Barcelona’s priorities: continuing to win all titles.

“There are new objectives: to keep winning, to keep defending the League, Cup, and Super Cup titles,” he said.

However, there is one trophy that stands above the rest for him and Barça, as he said: “We want to go for the Champions League, for which we have more than enough team.”

Olmo understands Barcelona’s decision over the World Cup tribute

Olmo was also asked about Barcelona’s decision not to hold a tribute at Spotify Camp Nou for the World Cup winners.

The club had cancelled the planned recognition following the violent arrest of a supporter in Elche, and Olmo said the players respected the decision.

Olmo was one of Barcelona’s eight World Cup winners. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“In the end, the club decided it wasn’t the best time to do it.  We, as players, respected that decision. We know the club fully values ​​the World Cup we won,” the playmaker said.

“They felt it wasn’t the perfect setting after everything that had happened. In the end, it’s respectable, it’s no big deal,”

Another battle with Real Madrid

Olmo also looked ahead to another season of rivalry with Real Madrid. He acknowledged that their rivals have strengthened significantly, but believes Barcelona are equally determined to compete for every trophy.

“It’s always been like this. Real Madrid is a team that has strengthened very well, with great players. And so have we. In the end, the goal for both of us is to win everything,” he said.

Barcelona have enjoyed two highly successful years domestically, but Olmo insists the next step is to make their mark in Europe.

“We will fight for what we have, as we always have. We’ve had two very successful years at the national level and now we want to achieve European success as well. That’s our objective.”

“The hardest part isn’t always winning, but maintaining that success, repeating it, and that’s going to be our goal,” Olmo concluded.