Atletico Madrid have made a significant splash in the transfer market by acquiring Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for a staggering £82 million.
The 24-year-old striker, who was notably absent from City’s Community Shield triumph over Manchester United last Saturday, has committed to a six-year tenure under the tutelage of Diego Simeone at the Spanish capital club.
Alvarez’s journey with Manchester City has been nothing short of remarkable.
Over two and a half seasons, he notched up 36 goals in 103 appearances, playing a pivotal role in the club’s haul of six major trophies.
His move from River Plate in January 2022, for a mere £14 million, now stands as a testament to City’s astute business acumen, culminating in a club-record sale that ranks as the fifth-largest transfer fee received by a Premier League outfit from a foreign club.
Beyond club football, Alvarez’s star shone brightly on the international stage.
He was instrumental in Argentina’s victorious campaigns at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Copa America earlier this year, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s elite forwards.
In a heartfelt farewell, Alvarez expressed his emotions on Manchester City’s official platform, stating, “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion. These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot – both as a player and as a person.
“To the directors and the technical staff, thank you for your confidence and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me to develop so much.
“To my team-mates, thank you for every moment we have shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every match.
“I have learnt a lot from each and every one of you and I remain with memories and friendships that will last forever.
“To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great support and for making me feel at home from the very first day. I will always be extremely proud to have been part of this family.
“Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart. I wish you every success in the future and I will keep on supporting the club wherever I may be.”
Reflecting on Alvarez’s departure, Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, remarked, “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Julian all the very best with the next stage of his career – he has been a pleasure to work with.
“His attitude has been first class since he first walked through the door here. That’s why he has improved so much.
“The trophies he has won already tell their own story – he is a winner. I look forward to watching him develop further in the remainder of his career.”
As Manchester City bids adieu to one of its shining talents, the club gears up for the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The reigning champions will kick off their title defense with a challenging trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday, August 18, a match set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Following this, City will welcome newly-promoted Ipswich Town to the Etihad Stadium on August 24 for their first home fixture.
The team’s early season fixtures also include a journey to the London Stadium to square off against West Ham United on August 31.
A highlight of the early campaign will be the showdown with last season’s runners-up, Arsenal, at the Etihad Stadium on September 21.
The reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium is slated for February 1, amidst a demanding sequence of games featuring home clashes against Chelsea, January 25, Newcastle United, February 15, and Liverpool, February 22. as well as an away duel with Tottenham Hotspur on February 25.
The iconic Manchester derbies are set to ignite passions on December 14 at the Etihad and on April 5 at Old Trafford.
With Julian Alvarez embarking on a new chapter in Madrid, both Atletico and Manchester City look ahead to seasons filled with promise and high expectations.
