Julian Alvarez apologises to Atletico Madrid fans after World Cup comments

Julian Alvarez has apologised to Atletico Madrid supporters for comments he made during the World Cup which caused widespread anger among the club’s fans.

The Argentina forward also admitted that his remarks, which were linked to a possible move to Barcelona, were a mistake in both their timing and delivery.

“I would like to apologise to the Atletico Madrid fans for the words I used during the World Cup,” Alvarez told Movistar.

“Those comments were a mistake, both in the way I said them and in the timing.”

Alvarez had hinted last summer that he wanted to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona during the summer transfer window. The uncertainty over his future continued until the window closed.

“It was a mistake on my part,” the Argentina international added. “If I had been in the fans’ position, I would have felt upset as well.”

He said the support he had received since then had made a strong impression.

“They have shown me a great deal of affection and support in recent weeks, and I appreciate that very much,” he said.

“Now I have to focus on working and continuing to improve.”

Alvarez seals Atletico victory

Alvarez scored the only goal as Atletico Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 at Wanda Metropolitano in the 10th round of the Spanish league.

The 48th-minute winner came when he converted Alejandro Grimaldo’s cross to give Atletico their fifth successive league victory.

The result moved Atletico Madrid to 25 points, two behind leaders Barcelona with a match in hand. Deportivo La Coruna remain on 11 points in 10th place.

Alvarez has now scored in consecutive matches for Atletico Madrid in all competitions for the first time since April.

The forward had previously scored in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad before finding the net in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

Deportivo La Coruna have not beaten Atletico Madrid away from home in the competition since November 2009.

The defeat was Deportivo’s third of the season, while Atletico’s latest success strengthened their position near the top of the table.