Diego Simeone has confirmed Julian Alvarez will remain at Atletico Madrid this season, promising to "look after and protect" the Argentine forward following a summer of intense transfer speculation linking him with Barcelona.

The 26-year-old striker was left out of Atletico's squad for their season-opening 2-0 victory against Malaga on Wednesday, in which new signing Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena found the net. However, Simeone revealed Alvarez is back in the fold and available for selection ahead of Sunday's home fixture against Villarreal at the Metropolitano.

Simeone Shuts Down Transfer Rumours

Despite heavy links to LaLiga rivals Barcelona throughout the transfer window, Atletico Madrid's hierarchy remained adamant the forward was not for sale. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Simeone reiterated the club's stance and emphasized Alvarez's importance to his sporting project.

"The doubts about Alvarez's situation do not exist, and Miguel Angel [Gil Marin, Atletico CEO] spoke clearly," Simeone said. "For me, Julian is a very important player for achieving the objectives on the sporting level."

"We will be with him, and we will take care of him from the sporting side. Why? Because he is our player, and as long as he is at Atletico, I will look after him and protect him."

Praise for Alvarez's Professionalism

Simeone was full of praise when addressing Alvarez's attitude in training amidst the persistent rumors surrounding his future.

"It is difficult for any individual to determine how someone else feels, because I am not that person," Simeone explained. "What I see is that he is working in the best possible way, and training with his team-mates with great respect for everyone."

"I have no doubt about the path we have decided to take with the club, which is to build a big team, as that is our goal. The important thing must be the Villarreal match and not any other matter, and that is what I am focused on. Julian will be included in the squad for the match, and he is in a better position now in terms of readiness and preparation."

Looking Ahead to Villarreal

Atletico will be seeking revenge when they host Villarreal, having suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat in their last LaLiga encounter against the Yellow Submarine in May. Simeone's men are aiming to secure back-to-back victories to open their league campaign for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Key players to watch include Lee Kang-in, who could become the first Atletico player in the 21st century to score in his opening two league appearances, while Villarreal will rely on talisman Gerard Moreno, who has already netted three career goals against Atletico at the Metropolitano.