Atletico president brushes off Barcelona star’s comments on Julian Alvarez interest: ‘can say whatever he wants’ | OneFootball

Before the official directors’ lunch with FC Barcelona ahead of the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, Enrique Cerezo, president of Atletico Madrid, brushed off comments made by Ronald Araujo regarding Julian Alvarez.

The Barcelona captain, during an interview earlier this week, admitted that he would like to see the Argentine striker at the club, amid strong interest from the Blaugrana heading into the summer.

Araujo’s comments are understood to have not gone down too well at Atletico Madrid, especially with them coming so close to the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

Cerezo on Araujo’s Alvarez statements

Now, addressing the statements made by Araujo, Cerezo said: “Araujo can say whatever he wants, but I don’t think Araujo is anyone at Atletico Madrid to say anything.

“Araujo is a good defender, and tonight, let him concede goals, and you’ll see how we forgive him for everything,” he added, jokingly.

Regarding Alvarez’s future, when asked if the striker would stay at the club for many years, the Atletico Madrid chief stated emphatically: “I think so, and I’m not lying to you.”

Julian Alvarez is a Barcelona target. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Cerezo also added how the constant rumours and speculations had affected the Argentine striker’s form this season, saying:

“It hurts the player, it hurts us, and it hurts everyone, especially when we don’t know anything. Players play where they want, and Julian wants to play for Atletico. I’m absolutely convinced of that; otherwise, why would we have brought him here?”

On the cup tie

Talking about the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg tonight at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Cerezo expressed his optimism about taking an important step towards the final.

“Nothing is decisive in this life, but it’s clear we’d like to win the tie and be in the final, for sure. We’re going out there to win, for sure. I don’t know what the result will be,” he said.

“I give the team every chance of winning, and normally and logically, I think the tie is 50-50,” he added on Atletico’s chances of beating Barcelona.

Source: Mundo Deportivo