Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil has publicly declared that the club will not sell Julian Alvarez this summer, even for a fee as high as €200 million. The Argentina international has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona, among other top European clubs, but Gil insists the striker is not for sale at any price.
Atletico Madrid's Firm Stance
In an interview with club media, Gil stated: "My opinion is clear. The club's will is clear. We have made this clear to the player and his agent, and to the president of Barcelona. I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place in the world for Julian, and Julian is the perfect striker for Atlético de Madrid. We want to keep him."
He further emphasized the club's resolve: "I heard some statements from the Barcelona president [Joan Laporta] saying his offer wasn't unlimited. Our response is indeed unlimited: we don't want to transfer him. We didn't accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one of €150 million or €200 million."
Laporta's 'Personal Circus' Criticized
Gil also took aim at Barcelona president Joan Laporta, accusing him of playing to the media and fans for his own benefit. "I know Joan well enough to believe that he is constantly playing to the media and to the fans for his own personal circus," Gil said. "I spoke to him personally. I told him: ‘Please, just let it go. We do not want to sell him and we are not going to sell him. Stop insisting.’ But he keeps this situation alive because, in part, he enjoys it. He is frivolous and loves maintaining this relationship with the fans and the media. But he knows perfectly well that Julian will not be playing for FC Barcelona next season."
Alvarez's Future at Atletico
Despite the transfer speculation, Gil expressed confidence in Alvarez's commitment and professionalism. "The truth is that we know Julian. We have worked with him over the last two seasons, and we have absolutely no doubt about his character or his professionalism," he said. "Julian has been poorly advised since the end of the season, and that is in some way, what leads me to believe that his performances, his attitude, will continue to be exactly what they have always been: that of a very good player, a good person and an outstanding professional."
Gil concluded by stating his belief that Alvarez will remain at the club and succeed: "I think both the player and the supporters have it very simple. Everything depends on the player’s attitude and also on his performances. In the end, Atletico Madrid knows exactly what it wants. It wants committed players, players who consistently deliver on the pitch. That is why I believe every Atletico Madrid supporters’ dream, and my own, is to see Julian scoring goals and winning trophies for Atletico Madrid. I believe it will happen."
