Atletico Madrid star tells Barcelona target to chase his dream – ‘It’s a personal matter’ | OneFootball

The Julian Alvarez-to-Barcelona saga has been all over the news in the past couple of days after his public declaration asking to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.

Alex Baena has offered his view on the situation, speaking about Alvarez and revealing what he thinks the Argentine forward should be doing.

The Atletico midfielder was asked about Alvarez’s situation, including the claim that Atletico have already filed a complaint against Barcelona with FIFA.

During an interview with COPE, Baena seemed surprised by that development and answered:

“Really? I had no idea.. This is the first time I’ve heard about it.”

It is highly unlikely that the Spaniard did not know what was going on, but he may have chosen to give this answer to avoid being dragged into the mix.

Alvarez wants to join Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Publicly, Atletico are angry, Barcelona are being accused of pushing the player, and Alvarez’s future has become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.

Baena understands the dream

Asked whether Alvarez’s comments surprised him, Baena admitted they did. He said:

“Yes, a little, because I wasn’t expecting a statement like that from a teammate, but it’s a personal matter.”

He then added: “Maybe I wouldn’t have done it that way; I would have done it differently, but it’s a personal matter, and if that’s really his dream, I’d tell him to go after it.”

This is not Baena pushing Alvarez towards Barça. However, he says that he would understand if the Argentine wanted to choose that path for his career.

Baena made his own position clear too:

“As for me, I’ll stay at Atletico Madrid, and that’s really what I want.”

Barça still need patience

The most important part for Barcelona is that this saga is not going to be easy.

Alvarez’s dream may be the Camp Nou, but Atletico remain in control of the contract and are determined not to make the Barcelona route easy.

Atletico do not wish to sell Alvarez. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)

Baena was also asked whether clubs should make it easier when a player wants to leave. He answered:

“We players never stop being people who have to carry out decisions.”

He continued: “If Atletico doesn’t want to sell him, he’ll have to accept the decision, but this isn’t the time to talk about it; after the World Cup, they’ll certainly sit down to discuss it.”

Alvarez can push, Barça can wait, and Atletico can resist. Eventually, the real conversation will come after the World Cup.

Baena’s comments highlight the growing uncertainty in modern football and show that he is willing to accept his teammate’s decision.

It remains to be seen whether Alvarez is eventually wearing the Blaugrana shirt next season.