Atlético Madrid: Julian Alvarez apologises, Diego Simeone reacts

The Colchoneros coach welcomed the Argentine's statement

Europe Today at 08:03

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Atlético Madrid: Julian Alvarez apologises, Diego Simeone reacts

24.10.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Atletico Madrid

Deportivo de A Coruna

In recent hours, Diego Simeone reacted positively to the apology issued by Julián Álvarez after the Argentine striker's comments about his future and his interest in FC Barcelona.

Held against his will by Atlético during the last summer transfer window and subsequently targeted by Madrid fans, Julian Alvarez apologised to the supporters. "First of all, I would like to apologise to our supporters for the comments I made during the World Cup. I made a mistake in the way I expressed myself and in the timing I chose. I understand their anger; as a supporter, I would have been angry myself, especially since they have always supported me. They have been very generous, and I am truly grateful to them. I would also like to thank the team because they supported me throughout this period. I am feeling better and better. I want to help the team and give my very best. When you feel good in life, it shows on the pitch. Even though we are professionals, everything has an influence. I feel good and ready to fight for everything. I hope that, through hard work and humility, I will be able to turn the situation around," Alvarez told Movistar.

🚨 BREAKING: Julián Álvarez apologises to Atlético Madrid fans. 🙏🏼 “I wanted to apologize to our fans for my words during the World Cup. They were a mistake. Both the way I said them and the timing”, told Movistar. “Especially because I understand why the fans were angry. I would have been angry too if I were a fan”. “Even more so considering how much they’ve supported me. They’ve been very generous, and I really appreciate that. I also want to thank the team because they’ve supported me throughout this time”. “I’m gradually feeling better. I’m grateful to all my teammates because they’ve supported me. I’m working to improve. I’ve been feeling better in the last few matches, both physically and on the ball. I want to help the team and give my best”. “When you’re feeling good in life, it shows on the pitch. Even though we’re professionals, everything has an influence. I feel good and ready to compete for everything”. “Hopefully, through hard work and humility, I can turn this situation around”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 24, 2026

"I am happy for Julián"

Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone praised his player's gesture. He said it took courage to acknowledge one's mistakes. "I have a great deal of respect for people who apologise, because asking for forgiveness is not easy. I am happy for Julián. He will feel much more at peace now. When he says something like that, it is because he sincerely means it," said the Madrid coach.

Simeone also reiterated the importance of his striker to the Colchoneros' ambitions: "We need him. If the club wants to reach the heights the supporters dream of, we need Julián to be at his best."

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Joshua SOSSOU

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As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.