Atlético Issues Official Stance on Álvarez: We'd Negotiate, But Not With Barça

“Some can deceive many people for a long time, but it’s impossible to deceive everyone all the time.” With these words, Atlético Madrid’s management summarized the situation surrounding Julián Álvarez, who for the second consecutive day failed to appear for training. This attempt to exert pressure, however, is met with the unwavering stance of the “Rojiblancos” not to sell the player to Barcelona.

The decision has the unanimous backing of the Board of Directors, which stands behind the club's strategy. Members of Atlético Madrid's governing body expressed their full support for the refusal to negotiate with the Catalan giants over the transfer of the Argentine forward.

In an official statement, the members of the Board of Directors declared: “Atlético Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs. We fully support the club's previously announced position that FC Barcelona has not met these requirements, and therefore there have been no, and will be no, negotiations with them regarding Julián Álvarez’s transfer.”

Atlético Madrid is confident that the player will understand the decision and will focus on his work to help the club achieve its goals, as he has done in his two previous campaigns with the team.

Reactions from Monaco

Meanwhile, in Monaco, where Europe's football elite gathered for the Champions League draw, the case is among the most discussed topics. At the meeting of the European Club Association (ECA), Barcelona's conduct, which has not adhered to the usual norms between clubs, was heavily commented on. Atlético insists that the approach of Fernando Hidalgo and Laporta is considered a “historical failure” and is the subject of numerous discussions among the clubs assembled in Monaco.