Julián Álvarez missed Wednesday’s training session. The official reason: an “indisposition”. The real reason has much more to do with the pressure he has been carrying for days.
Because a few days earlier, right in the middle of the Metropolitano, Atlético’s own fans booed him during the draw against Villarreal. And because Joan Laporta never stopped insisting that Barcelona wants Julián.
Atlético’s response came loud and clear: “0% chance” of a sale, and a phrase that is already circulating in every corner of Spanish football: “This situation isn’t about money, it’s about dignity”.
The club went further and accused Laporta of playing the victim when, according to them, “we are the only victims”. They have already filed complaints with FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation over Barça’s improper contacts with Julián.
The transfer window closes soon, but this fight is only just beginning.