Julian Alvarez reveals three-word reason for quitting Manchester City after just two years | OneFootball

Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has revealed the reason for exiting the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 24-year-old completed a club-record exit from Manchester City ahead of the start of the new season, signing for Atletico Madrid in a deal totalling €95 million, just two years after moving to the Etihad Stadium from River Plate for £14 million.

Alvarez penned a one-year extension until 2028 with Manchester City in March 2023, but opted to leave Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, having won six trophies with the Sky Blues, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

The striker, who has also lifted the FIFA World Cup and Copa America with Argentina since moving to east Manchester, registered 32 direct goal involvements for Manchester City during the 2023/24 campaign.

Alvarez made his Atletico Madrid debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Villarreal, and made his first start for Diego Simeone’s side against Girona on Sunday evening, as the City Football Group side suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano.

The 24-year-old has also revealed his reason for swapping the Premier League for La Liga, telling ESPN: “I felt that I needed a change in my career. I needed to look for a new challenge and I believe that this club gives me the tools to give my best.

“I’ve come here to help the team and to fight for every title. I spoke to [Diego] Simeone and he said he wanted me to come here. He said that I was going to help the team and they would enhance my strengths and help me improve on my weaknesses.

“My aim is to show my best form, help the team win and take Atlético to the highest level.”

Alvarez could come up against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League this season, with Guardiola’s side due to discover their eight opponents for the newly-formatted competition later this week.