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Argentina forward Julian Alvarez has revealed the reason for exiting Premier League champions Manchester City this summer.
Alvarez completed a club-record departure from City ahead of the start of the new season, signing for Atletico Madrid in a deal totalling €95 million, just two years after moving to the Etihad Stadium from Argentina giants River Plate for £14 million.
The 24-year-old penned a one-year extension until 2028 with Manchester City in March 2023, but opted to leave this summer, having won six trophies including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
The striker, who has also lifted the FIFA World Cup and Copa America with Argentina since moving to east Manchester, scored 32 direct goal involvements for City during the 2023/24 campaign.
Alvarez made his Atletico Madrid debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Villarreal, and made his first start for Diego Simeone’s side against Girona on Sunday evening, as the City Football Group side suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano.
“I felt that I needed a change in my career. I needed to look for a new challenge and I believe that this club gives me the tools to give my best,” he told ESPN (via City Xtra).
“I’ve come here to help the team and to fight for every title. I spoke to [Diego] Simeone and he said he wanted me to come here. He said that I was going to help the team and they would enhance my strengths and help me improve on my weaknesses.
“My aim is to show my best form, help the team win and take Atlético to the highest level.”
