The summer soap opera still has a name: Julián Álvarez. While the Atlético de Madrid forward prepares to play the World Cup final with Argentina this Sunday against Spain, Atlético and Barcelona continue exchanging statements. And the latest have been forceful. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has responded firmly to Laporta to reiterate that the player is not for sale.
Read more Brussels softens its ‘toll’ for polluting amid industry pressure to lower energy costs
“We do not accept an offer of 100 million, nor will we accept one of 150 or 200,” he said in a video shared by the Colchonero club through its social networks. In it, the CEO of Atlético de Madrid insists that Julián will remain at the rojiblanco club: “My opinion is clear, the club’s will is clear, we have expressed it to the player, the agent, the president of Barça… I have no doubt that Atlético is the place in the world for Julián and that Julián is the perfect forward for Atlético de Madrid. We want to continue counting on him.”
In recent hours, Laporta had spoken about the offer for Julián, warning Atlético that it would not be “unlimited in time.” “Atlético already knows that we have made a significant offer for Julián. If they are willing to accept it, fantastic. But it will not be unlimited in time. There will be a moment when we have to decide whether to maintain the offer or not and it will depend on how these two weeks until the end of July go,” said the blaugrana president in statements to Cadena SER from New York.
Read more Junts keeps its distance from the PSOE after the European ruling that supports the amnesty
It is very clear that the player wants a change of scenery and we are willing to welcome him
Joan Laporta
President of FC Barcelona
“We have done it with institutional respect. The player has spoken and the issue is alive. We will see what Atlético says. It is very clear that the player wants a change of scenery and we are willing to welcome him and, moreover, making a very good offer. We will see how Julián’s situation evolves, if not, there are certainly alternatives,” added Laporta. Now, Atlético responds firmly: “Our answer is indeed infinite, we do not want to transfer him. We do not accept an offer of 100 million, nor will we accept one of 150 or 200.” But no matter how much the rojiblanco club insists on closing the matter, the summer soap opera remains open, especially after the player himself showed his willingness to leave Atlético during the World Cup.
The Argentine set social media on fire after Argentina’s victory over Austria, when asked about his future and, far from dodging the topic, he answered clearly: “It is not the time to talk about this, but I cannot hide either, I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at Atlético Madrid and I think the best for everyone is a transfer,” he said to his country’s television. “The best for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream,” he concluded. Now the ball is in Atlético’s court.
