Alvarez apologises to Atletico fans after summer exit attempt

Julián Alvarez apologised to Atletico Madrid fans on Saturday for trying to leave the club this summer, saying he understood their anger. The Argentina international, who was linked with Barcelona, had said during the World Cup that Atletico should sell him, but the club rejected the Catalan side’s offer. After being jeered early in the season, he scored against Stuttgart in the Champions League and then netted the only goal in Atletico’s 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna. Signed from Manchester City in 2024, Alvarez said he is feeling better physically and on the ball.