Julián Álvarez came out to warm up in the 52nd minute and the Metropolitano was already booing him.
It wasn’t just any match: he was wearing Atlético de Madrid’s shirt, the club that paid more than 87 million dollars for him two seasons ago.
When he came onto the pitch in the 66th minute, just after Villarreal’s equalizer, the fans booed him again. At the end of the match, while his teammates went to greet the fans, Julián walked alone toward the locker room.
Diego Simeone came out to clarify something that changes everything: that decision was not Julián’s. It was the club’s, to prevent another episode of hostility.
The conflict dates back to June, when the Argentine made it clear that he wanted to leave for Barcelona. Atlético never agreed to negotiate and now, one week before the transfer window closes, the rift between the striker and his own fans remains open.