Cerezo Confident: Álvarez Will Win Fans Over in Two Matches
Atlético Madrid president insists Julián Álvarez is not for sale and will quickly regain fans' trust despite his desire to move to Barcelona.
Atlético Madrid president insists Julián Álvarez is not for sale and will quickly regain fans' trust despite his desire to move to Barcelona.
Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo is confident that Argentine striker Julián Álvarez will quickly win back the fans' favor, despite his expressed desire to move to Barcelona. In an interview with Marca, as reported by Goal.com, Cerezo stated he has no doubt that Álvarez will win the hearts of the fans in just two matches.
"I don't know if he will ask for forgiveness, but Julián is a wonderful person and I am sure, completely convinced, that he will win the love of the fans in two matches," Cerezo said ahead of the league match against Málaga.
Barcelona persistently tried to sign Álvarez during the summer transfer window, sending a €100 million offer in early June. Atlético refused to sell their star, and Cerezo reiterated the club's stance.
"I said from the very beginning that he is not for sale. He is our player, an important part of our team, and that's why we want him with us, we want him to stay, and I believe he will have a great season," Cerezo stated.
He also added that Álvarez has a contract with Atlético, trains with the team, and is preparing for an excellent season. A photo of the Argentine striker in the new Atlético kit for the 2026/27 season was released on Wednesday, also shared by Fabrizio Romano.
Álvarez will not play in the season opener against Málaga on Wednesday evening. Coach Diego Simeone explained that the player has not yet reached the required physical fitness and left him out of the 24-man squad.
The club emphasizes that the absence is not related to his future, but solely to his physical condition. Álvarez remains part of Simeone's plans for the new season and awaits the moment when he returns to form and begins to regain the fans' trust on the pitch.