Julian Alvarez says he wants to leave Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez said on Monday night that he wants to leave the club after spending the past two seasons there.

Speaking to TV cameras after appearing as a second-half substitute in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria, Alvarez made it clear that he wants to leave the club coached by compatriot Diego Simeone.

Julian Alvarez (R) of Atletico de Madrid, vies with Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen during the Champions League football match between Atletico de Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, in Madrid, Spain, on Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

"I can't hide, nor can I act as if I didn't want to be clear about this: I am trying to be honest," said Alvarez.

"I have spoken to people from Atletico and I think that the best thing for everyone involved is that I leave. I want to fulfil my dream," added the forward.

Real Madrid recently had a 150-million-euro bid for Alvarez publicly rejected by Atletico, but the forward is thought to want a move to FC Barcelona.

Atletico is angry at the tactics Barcelona has used to try to influence Alvarez and has repeatedly highlighted that the forward has a contract until 2030 and a release clause of 500 million euros.

The 26-year-old has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for Atletico, but has endured two seasons in which the club has failed to win a title, finishing fourth in La Liga last season, as well as losing the Champions League semifinal to Arsenal and the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad.