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The return of Argentine players to their teams in Europe has generated much controversy, conflict with their own clubs, and even with fans who have withdrawn their support following the scandalous participation of the Argentina National Team in the 2026 World Cup, including the protest over the Falkland Islands and the fight against Spanish players.
This weekend, Julián Álvarez was the target of jeers and criticism within Atlético de Madrid, which played against Villarreal in the second round of the season, and his compatriot Giuliano Simeone came to his defense, pointing out that he is a valuable player for Atlético and that his teammates will support him until the end.
"First, together we are always stronger. That has always characterized us as an Atlético de Madrid different from the rest. He is our player, so we are going to die for him on the pitch and fight together," said Simeone.
"We have to be all together pulling in the same direction, because if not, we are going to divide ourselves and that is not good (...) He is our player and we are going to support him always," he added.
During and at the end of the game, several videos went viral on the internet showing Julián Álvarez being booed by the Atlético fans; in one of the clips, chants can even be heard from the stands where the crowd demands Álvarez's departure from the Spanish club.
At the end of the match, the Argentine left the stadium without saying goodbye to the fans in the stands. Manager Diego Simeone explained that it was the decision of the team's board not to let Julián go near the fans.
Although the reactions against the Argentine are largely related to the Argentine national team's participation in the World Cup, it is known that the fans no longer want him on the team due to his desire to leave and join Barcelona.
It is known that Julián wants to move to Barcelona; however, Atlético de Madrid does not intend to sell him for now.
"The only thing I think is that, after a fairly complicated summer with the issue of continuous questions about Julián Álvarez, he is an Atlético de Madrid player, he has always been an Atlético de Madrid player and we have never had the intention of selling him," said Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético de Madrid, in a statement regarding the Argentine's future.
According to reports, the Madrid team would only let Álvarez leave the club to go to Barcelona if the latter pays the 500 million contract termination clause.
"What I consider is that Football Club Barcelona has not lived up to the circumstances and has not done what it usually does in these cases," added Cerezo.
[Publicidad]