Atlético Madrid Lets Barcelona Know Where Julián áLvarez Really Wants to Play

Enrique Cerezo responds to Barça and guarantees Julián Álvarez’s future at Atlético

Atlético de Madrid president Enrique Cerezo was firm when speaking about the future of Julián Álvarez, assuring that the Argentine forward wants to remain at the club “for many more seasons,” despite rumors linking him with FC Barcelona.

“Players play where they want to play, and he wants to play at Atlético de Madrid,” Cerezo said, convinced that the striker — who is under contract until 2030 and has a €500 million release clause — will continue at the Metropolitano. “And I’m not lying to you,” he added emphatically.

The executive also responded to comments from Ronald Araújo, who suggested Julián could fit at Barcelona. “He can say whatever he wants, but I don’t think he’s anyone at Atlético de Madrid to say anything. He’s a good defender, and what he has to do tonight is let us score goals,” Cerezo joked.

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Cerezo said the “noise” surrounding the player’s future “hurts the player, the club, and everyone,” stressing that Atlético is unaware of any situation that could affect his continuity.

Julián’s drought and confidence in Simeone

On the sporting side, Julián Álvarez is going through a scoring drought, failing to score in his last 11 matches for Atlético. “He’s having a tough season, but the day will come when things go right for him,” the president said.

Cerezo also reaffirmed the club’s full confidence in Diego Simeone, stating that the goal is to win a title this season. “We have to win something. The Copa could be a good opportunity, in La Liga we’re not giving anything up, and in the Champions League there are still important matches ahead,” he explained.

Finally, he addressed the condition of the Cívitas Metropolitano pitch after complaints from Koke and Antoine Griezmann. “If it’s bad, we’ll change it — but I’m not a groundskeeper,” he said with a laugh.