Atletico president rejects Barcelona interest

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has publicly criticised Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez this summer and reiterated that the club never had any intention of selling the Argentina international.

Speaking to El Desmarque after a complicated summer of speculation, Cerezo said Alvarez remains firmly part of Diego Simeone’s plans.

"I believe, and the only thing I can say after a rather complicated summer with the constant questions about Julián Álvarez, is that he is an Atlético de Madrid player, that he has always been an Atlético de Madrid player, and that we never intended to sell him," Cerezo said.

"He is an Atlético de Madrid player who is available to the coach whenever the coach wants him. What I believe is that FC Barcelona has not risen to the occasion and has not done what it usually does in these cases."

Alvarez, who said during the World Cup he wanted to leave Atletico, was back in the squad for Sunday’s La Liga clash at Villarreal but was an unused substitute in the opening exchanges and is likely to face a hostile reception should he come on.

Hostile reception and club-enforced separation

The situation boiled over at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday as Alvarez’s name was whistled by sections of the Atletico crowd before kick-off, with further jeers when he arrived as a substitute in the 2-2 draw.

After the final whistle Atletico’s players made their way to applaud the travelling supporters, but Alvarez was seen walking alone and heading straight for the tunnel.

Simeone confirmed the separation was a decision made by the club.

"People at the club told me that the club decided he shouldn’t be near the stands and the fans," Simeone said afterwards. "The decision was made by the club to keep him away and separate him from the rest of the team, so he would come to the locker room instead."

Atletico continue to insist Alvarez is not for sale. Speculation has linked Arsenal with a late move for the Argentine, but reports suggest the forward’s preference remains Barcelona, even as the Catalan club appear unwilling or unable to meet Atletico’s demands as the transfer window nears its close.