Simeone also assured Atlético Madrid fans that Álvarez “is training excellently” and will be in the squad to face Athletic Club.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has congratulated his striker Julián Álvarez for standing firm during the recent transfer window, during which he rejected a move to Arsenal and saw his desire to join Barcelona blocked.
He praised the Argentine forward on Friday during his pre-match press conference ahead of Atlético Madrid’s clash against Athletic Club.
Álvarez, a former Manchester City player, attracted interest from La Liga giants Barcelona and English Premier League side Arsenal during the summer transfer window after indicating a desire to leave the Spanish club.
While he favoured a move to the Catalan club, he made it clear that he had no interest in joining any other side, including the Gunners.
However, Atlético Madrid blocked his transfer to their league rivals, a decision that frustrated the World Cup winner.
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Following the saga, the 26-year-old faced backlash from his own fans. But with the transfer window now closed, Álvarez is expected to remain in Madrid for at least another three months.
Reacting to the Argentine international’s rejection of Arsenal despite failing to secure his dream move to Barca, Simeone expressed optimism that the forward will achieve success for the red-and-white side of the Spanish capital moving forward.
He added that Álvarez “is training excellently”, confirming that “he will be included in the squad” on Saturday.
As quoted by Express Sport, Simeone said: “As far as we’re concerned, he’s a very decisive person, clear in his thinking. I congratulate him because sometimes ego makes us think we’re in a position we shouldn’t be in. We’re very happy with everything he brings to the team. It’s what he feels.
“He is training excellently, he will be included in the squad tomorrow, and we anticipate the best from him, just as we do from all his teammates. I always focus on the future; we have an exciting season ahead filled with numerous challenges and talented players, and we will approach it one match at a time.
“I am very clear on this: life is full of opportunities, and Julián now has one. We often spend our time judging, and we should focus on doing that less and learning more. I hope this has served as a valuable lesson for him.”
