Julián Álvarez and the Reasons Behind His Departure from Manchester City
Argentine striker Julián Álvarez, currently Atlético de Madrid’s top scorer, explained in an interview with AS the reasons that led him to leave Manchester City last summer. His departure surprised many, but his decision to seek a new challenge had been taking shape for over a year.
The Argentine forward left the English club in a transfer worth around 90 million euros, including bonuses. Although his time with the Cityzens was filled with trophies, his secondary role in the team was a key factor in his decision. “You always want to play in the most important matches. In the Champions League final, I didn’t come on. In the semifinal, I played just a little, and I would have liked to be in those kinds of games," said the World Cup winner.
Tired of being in Erling Haaland’s shadow and motivated by his growing role with the Argentine national team, Julián Álvarez felt it was time to take on a new challenge. "I needed something different. Something inside me told me that I had to seek a new challenge," he stated. His desire for a bigger role and more playing time led him to consider opportunities outside of Manchester City.
The Key: A Conversation with Diego Simeone
The decision to sign for Atlético de Madrid was no coincidence. His fellow countryman and coach Diego Simeone played a crucial role in his move. "When I spoke with Cholo before the Olympic Games, he convinced me. He told me a lot about the club, not just about this season, but also about the coming years. And well… I liked it," he revealed.
The Argentine coach set him a clear challenge: to become LaLiga’s top scorer. While that goal seems distant this season, with 9 goals in 25 league matches, Julián Álvarez is already Atlético de Madrid’s leading scorer with 20 goals across all competitions.
Supported by his national teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina, backed by Simeone, and with the starring role he longed for, Julián Álvarez feels more comfortable than ever in Spain. Now, his goal is to keep shining and prove that leaving Manchester City was the right decision.
