Julian Alvarez booed by Atlético fans as fallout deepens, echoes of Antoine Griezmann saga | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez was booed relentlessly on his Atlético de Madrid return, then headed straight for the dressing room after the 2-2 draw with Villarreal. According to L'Équipe, the backlash stems from the 26-year-old’s push to join Barça.

He was jeered when his name was read out before kick-off, abused again during the first cooling break, and targeted as he began warming up on 53 minutes. Further whistles greeted his introduction on 67 minutes. He looked subdued, far from his usual pressing and runs, and registered only 12 touches.

Giuliano Simeone’s late equaliser on 85 minutes made it 2-2, yet the Metropolitano still turned on Alvarez. At full time he went directly down the tunnel while team-mates applauded the crowd, drawing another cascade of whistles.

The mood had soured all week. He was insulted at half-time of Atlético-Málaga 2-0 on Wednesday despite not being in the squad, and on Friday supporters hung posters at the training ground reading "Julian dehors", with his No 19 crossed out.

Alvarez publicly expressed during the World Cup his desire to join Barça, but the hierarchy have shut the door, leaving a media and psychological stand-off. Diego Simeone said staying was the club’s decision rather than the player’s, and urged unity and care for a quality striker if they want to win trophies. The dispute may run until the end of the window.

Source: L'Équipe

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