Valdano sees Atletico-Madrid relationship at breaking point for Alvarez

Julian Alvarez appeared to have emotionally moved on from Atletico de Madrid before any transfer has taken place, according to former Real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano.

Alvarez was subjected to heavy criticism from Atletico supporters during their La Liga match against Villarreal on Tuesday, with the Argentina forward reportedly keen on a move to Barcelona.

Atletico are unwilling to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, while they would be prepared to consider a transfer to Arsenal.

Speaking to Movistar, Valdano used a quote from Argentine writer Julio Cortazar to describe the situation.

“In such situations, I always turn to a saying by the Argentine writer Julio Cortazar: whoever says they are leaving has already left,” Valdano said.

He added: “If you had looked at Julian’s face today, you would have seen that he had already left. It was clear in his eyes. And if you had looked at the supporters, you would have seen the same thing there too.”

The former Real Madrid manager questioned whether the relationship between Atletico’s leading forward and the club’s fans could be repaired after the response he received during the Villarreal game.

“I do not know how this relationship between Atletico de Madrid’s biggest star and his supporters can be rebuilt,” Valdano said. “I do not know whether it is possible. I do not know if Julian will be able to overcome a situation like this emotionally, because it is clear that his heart is attached to someone else.”

The comments come as Alvarez’s future remains uncertain. Atletico are resisting the prospect of allowing him to join Barcelona, but are understood to be more receptive to the possibility of a move to Arsenal.

Valdano’s assessment focused on the visible tension between Alvarez and Atletico’s support rather than confirming that the forward has already left the club. His comments suggested that the Argentine’s emotional connection with the Madrid side may have been damaged significantly, regardless of where his future is eventually decided.

Alvarez’s apparent desire to join Barcelona has placed him at the centre of a dispute involving Atletico, the player and the club’s supporters. Barcelona are therefore not currently being offered a straightforward route to signing the forward, while Arsenal remain a more welcome destination from Atletico’s perspective.

The issue has prompted further discussion among football supporters, including on the Kooora forums, where readers can debate the story and other football news in greater depth.