Julian Alvarez has returned to Atletico Madrid training after Diego Simeone vowed to welcome him back into his squad. The forward missed three training sessions this week and did not feature in his side's 3-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday night due to what the club said was a stomach bug.
Atletico standing firm on Barcelona refusal
Atletico are standing firm in their refusal to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, with Arsenal leading the race to sign the forward. However, it has been claimed that the Argentine informed Gunners boss Mikel Arteta during talks that he does not want to return to England.
Providing an update on Alvarez, Atletico sporting director Matheu Alemany said: "He trained yesterday, and we hope he recovers quickly and is ready for the upcoming La Liga match."
He added: "We have been very clear and firm on this matter. The board issued a statement about it, and the chief executive confirmed it clearly and firmly. I refer you to that. Why should I say more?"
Simeone and club leadership speak out
Simeone said ahead of their 3-1 win against Sevilla on Saturday night: "I understand that all the questions will be about Julian. The club has been very clear about what will happen.
"From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him continue being as important as he still is. My focus is on Sevilla, where he won't be available.
"When he returns, we'll give him everything he needs to feel important. In life, anything can be reversed, as long as we have our health."
Atletico have issued two public statements insisting they will not sell Alvarez to Barca, with a move elsewhere now appearing to be the only realistic option. And speaking on Thursday, Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin told Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus: "Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico.
"To compete among the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one. If he believes that staying at Atletico Madrid is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona."
Gil Marin continued: "The truth is that it outrages us even more. We are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances.
"I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances; you have my word – which is one of the few things I have – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona."
